People who smoke and have been trying to quit will agree with us when we say that it is not an easy thing to do. Quitting takes a lot of mental strength and needs you to navigate through a lot of mental and psychological challenges. And if you are someone who is trying to quit for the first time, it becomes even more difficult because you not only lack awareness of what to expect but also because you lack the knowledge of the tools available that can aid smoking cessation.
NRT is one such tool. It stands for Nicotine Replacement Therapy. It is specially designed to help manage one of the most difficult challenges that make quitting smoking a struggle. We are talking about nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
As you know, cigarettes contain tobacco. And tobacco is full of many harmful substances and one of them is nicotine. What makes nicotine stand apart from the rest is the fact that it is highly addictive. Once consumed, it tricks the brain into releasing dopamine and serotonin. These neurochemicals are responsible for making you an instant feeling of relief and relaxation. This ‘kick’ becomes addictive and people start seeing smoking as an instant stress buster or mood fixer. This creates a dependence on nicotine.
And when you do not consume nicotine, your body starts experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are quite unpleasant and include depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty in concentration, sleeplessness and so on.
NRT products are medically approved products that help manage these symptoms by allowing you to put a controlled amount of nicotine in your body without the harmful smoke of the cigarettes. They have become quite popular recently and all for the right reasons.
Here are a few benefits of using NRT products:
Medically approved to help with smoking cessation
As nicotine withdrawal symptoms make it really difficult to quit, consuming NRT products helps in managing these symptoms. As your body does get a controlled amount of nicotine, it does not experience withdrawal symptoms. This way you stay in charge and help your body function properly without any nicotine cravings.
NRT products work on the principle of gradual reduction
They follow a step-down approach. Meaning that you start with a dose that matches your needs and eventually reduce it to a point where you no longer need nicotine. This customization is a great asset that helps smokers stay in control.
Flexibility and ease of use
Another benefit of using NRT products is that they are available in different forms. So the users have the choice to pick the product that best suits their needs, preferences and lifestyle. Whether it is a patch, a gum, an inhaler or a tablet – each has its advantages and they cater to diverse needs. This makes it easier to use them and hence it increases the chances of your succeeding.
All these benefits work together and reduce the risk of a relapse. As you are able to manage the nicotine cravings effectively, this decreases the likelihood of a relapse. Additionally, the fact that some of the NRT products are readily available OTC, makes them easily accessible. You can even Buy Nicotine Tablets Online. This ease of availability also works in their favor, making them a reliable option for smoking cessation.
Now that you have a decent understanding about the different benefits and functioning of NRT products, it is now time to get acquainted with the various types of products that you can choose from:
1. Nicotine gums – they are quite a popular product which is available in two doses – 2mg and 4 mg. You need to chew on the anti smoking chewing gum slowly and it releases nicotine into your body through the mouth lining. They also help manage the mouth fixation that is associated with smoking. Additionally, Ryze nicotine gums come in various flavors that make them a tasty and reliable solution for smoking cessation.
2. Nicotine patches – You need to stick a patch to your dry and clean area of the skin in the beginning of your day and you are good to go for the entire day. They are a discreet way of using NRT products but you must consult your doctor before you start using them. Some people who have used nicotine patches do complain about skin irritation.
3. Nicotine inhalers – A rapid way of getting a nicotine shot, these are only available on a doctor’s prescription. They release a nicotine vapor into your mouth directly when you puff on it. They imitate the cigarette’s hand-to-mouth habit.
4. Nasal sprays – They are designed to deliver nicotine to your body via the nasal membranes. You need to spray it into each nostril and it quickly gets absorbed into the bloodstream. They are also available on doctor’s prescription only.
5. Nicotine tablets/lozenges – another discreet and easy way to deal with nicotine cravings, this NRT product is available OTC.
However, NRT products are safe to use, it is still advisable that you consult your healthcare provider before you get started with any NRT product. At the end of the day, they are medicated products and must be consumed with caution. A healthcare provider can help analyze your smoking patterns and lifestyle and advice the best way that will ensure your success.
Additionally, they need to be consumed in a certain manner. You need to follow the instructions very carefully and make sure that you do not abuse the products. They are made to help you get rid of the smoking habit and not as an alternative to smoking.