Nicotine Replacement Therapy

[sheri bates]

One of the most popular means of quitting smoking is by using nicotine
replacement therapy (NRT's). This is a broad category that covers
patches, lozenges, gum and other means of introducing nicotine into
the body without the use of tobacco products.
Nicotine replacement products work by introducing nicotine into the
body through contact with the skin or lungs and provide the nicotine
your body's craving without the harmful gases and other harmful
byproducts of smoking. NRT is not a sure fire method to smoking
cessation, though, as it only suppresses the body's craving for
nicotine and does not treat the psychological aspect of nicotine
addiction.
Nicotine replacement patches are an extremely popular way to quit
smoking. The patch is placed on the upper arm or the side of the
abdomen and left there for the manufacturer recommended time period.
The patch in infused with nicotine and transmit the drug through the
skin into the body over the course of time. Smokers will not notice a
dramatic lessening of their cravings, but withdrawal symptoms will
become more manageable. As with any other medication, patches have
side effects, some patients even report that the adhesive used on the
patch causes painful skin irritation.
Nicotine gum is another popular means of delivering nicotine without
the use of tobacco. Nicotine gum, like nicotine patches, contains
nicotine, but none of the harmful carcinogens found in cigarettes. The
gum is chewed for a brief time, and then held against the cheek and
gum. Patients often report a tingling sensation in the area where the
gum is held. Manufacturers state that this is normal and is caused by
the gum transmitting nicotine into the body. Once the tingling
sensation subsides, the gum will need to be chewed again for a few
minutes and then held between the cheek and gum once more. A single
piece of gum should last several hours.
Inhalers work much like the inhalers used by asthmatics. It delivers
nicotine to the lungs in a mist form, which is then absorbed through
the lining of the lungs. Nasal sprays work in a similar fashion.
Inhaled forms of nicotine usually have a shorter duration than patches
and gum.
It is important to understand that nicotine replacement therapies will
neither force you to stop smoking, nor completely eliminate withdrawal
symptoms. There will be uncomfortable symptoms to endure and the
desire to light a cigarette only lessens, it never completely goes
away. Other smoking cessation methods may need to be used to
completely stop
smoking.
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