Quitting tobacco smoking is a huge challenge. It can’t be done in just a snap of a finger. Just like addiction to other substances, it also needs to be done gradually and requires a lot of effort and patience to achieve success.
The tobaccos itself is not the addictive part of smoking but the nicotine content in every stick you smoke. When you smoke, nicotine gets into your bloodstream and goes to the different systems in your body, making them get used to the presence of the substance.
When you don’t smoke, these systems will look for the presence of nicotine and you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms if you don’t give in to the craving. This nicotine dependence makes quitting smoking a lot harder than what you think.
To help with the withdrawal symptoms, nicotine replacement therapy is applied to those who want to quit smoking. When your body craves for nicotine, you have to use other alternative sources of it instead of smoking tobacco.
As time goes by, you could also slowly decrease the amount of nicotine your intake until your body isn’t dependent on it anymore. When shopping for nicotine products, choose only quality ones such as V & You nicotine to be assured of safety and efficiency. Here are some of the different forms of alternative nicotine sources.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches are easy to find and can even be bought without a prescription. When you feel the withdrawal symptom slowly arising, you only need to stick the patch on your upper arm. This patch will provide a steady release of nicotine dose through the skin to ease the symptoms.
Nicotine Nasal Spray
Unlike nicotine patches, nicotine nasal spray can only be bought when you have a prescription. Consult your doctor before using a nicotine nasal spray to know the appropriate dose for you. Since it is sprayed directly in the nose, the nicotine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, relieving the symptoms quickly.
Nicotine Gum
Just like nicotine patches, nicotine gum can also be bought without prescription. It is fast acting compared to nicotine patches and comes in 2 varying strengths. The good thing about nicotine gum is that you have control over the amount and release of nicotine from it by chewing and holding it inside your cheek. Since food and drinks affect how it is absorbed, it is best not to eat or drink few minutes before chewing a nicotine gum.
Nicotine Inhaler
If you’re looking for a nicotine replacement method that feels most similar to smoking, a nicotine inhaler is something you may want to try. The nicotine is placed in a small tube and you’ll inhale to get the nicotine vapor into the mouth and throat. This is where the nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream. You’ll need to consult a doctor first to know the dosage and get prescription for this product.
With so many nicotine replacement methods to choose from, you can surely find one that suits your preference and needs.
