You want to quit smoking, you know it’s harming your health, and it’s costing you money. But ask any smoker if it’s easy to stop smoking at any time and the answer will always be the same – No. According to the American Heart Association , every day 2,100 youths and young adults become daily habit smokers, moving up from occasional smoking.
What is it about smoking that is so addictive? The nicotine. Dr. Neil Benowitz, a nicotine researcher at the University of California, San Francisco stated “From a scientific standpoint, nicotine is just as hard, or harder, to quit than heroin…but people don’t recognize that.”
Dr. Benowitz also agrees that nicotine patches, nicotine gum and smoking-withdrawal medications are proven ways to increase the odds of successfully quitting smoking.
Nicorette® May Help You Stop Smoking
One of the most well-known over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy products is Nicorette®.
Nicorette® QuickMist ®
Available in Fresh Mint, and Cool Berry this quick spray delivers a small amount of nicotine to your mouth. Following a scheduled dose, starting with 1 to 2 sprays every half hour for weeks 1 to 6, and gradually decreasing over 12 weeks, this product is meant to gradually help you reduce your dependency on nicotine, and eventually eliminate your cravings and urge to smoke. Once you use the Starter Pack you can get refills.
Nicorette® Gum
Available in a variety of flavors, Nicorette ® gum is chewed whenever you feel the urge to smoke, again starting with several pieces per day, and gradually reducing the number of pieces over several weeks. The gum releases nicotine which is absorbed by the lining of your mouth.
Nicorette gum comes in several flavors:
Nicorette® Lozenges
Just like the Nicorette® gum; any time you feel the urge to have a cigarette simply place a lozenge in your mouth and allow it to dissolve. Over time, you should need fewer and fewer lozenges to control your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Check out the Nicorette Cool Mint Lozenges.
Nicorette® Inhaler
This inhaler delivers a controlled dose of nicotine which is inhaled. Over the course of up to 24 weeks you will gradually reduce the number of cartridges you use to control your nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
To maximize your potential for successful quitting, Nicorette® should be used for the full 12 weeks or recommended period of time of the product. The FDA does say that it is acceptable to use it longer than 12 weeks if necessary; however you should speak to your doctor if you feel you need to use Nicorette® products longer than recommended.
Why NOW is the Time to Quit Smoking
The American Cancer Society says that half of all Americans who keep smoking will eventually die due to that very habit. In fact, more than 480,000 people in the United States die from an illness related to their tobacco use every year. Do the math – that’s one out of every five deaths in the United States.
Smoking not only increases your risk for lung cancer, it also increases the risk of other cancers such as mouth cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, larynx cancer, esophagus cancer, kidney cancer, and myeloid leukemia – to name a few. There is no safe use of tobacco products! Whether it is in a pipe, cigarette, chew, or other form, the risk for cancer is still high.
As for lung damage, smoking will increase asthma and pneumonia symptoms. Long term exposure may also lead to COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Smoking also increases your blood pressure and is a major risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which can lead to heart disease, heart attack and strokes.
Smoking Risks for Women
Along with all the previously mentioned risks that come with smoking, women should know that smoking can put an unborn baby at risk! It is critical that women stop smoking before planning to become pregnant. Smokers have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancies, premature birth, miscarriages, stillbirths, and also have a higher risk of having babies born with birth defects.
Smoking Risks for Men
As mentioned previously, smoking can damage the arteries and this is also part of the system which enables men to have erections. Erectile dysfunction is associated with smoking. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society at least one study has linked cigar smoking to sexual impotence in men, and smoking has been shown to reduce sperm count and increase the risk for miscarriages and birth defects. To learn more about Erectile Dysfunction medications visit our article How to talk to your Doctor about Erectile Dysfunction
How Can I Help Someone Quit Smoking?
Quitting smoking is not easy, and it is also difficult to watch someone you care for struggle with their own cigarette addiction. The makers of Nicorette® offer some tips to help you support someone you know who is trying to quit.
- Encourage Healthy Choices – Encourage them to get out and do something enjoyable.
- Distract Them – One of the most useful strategies for someone who is trying to quit smoking is to think about something else, such as going to a movie or reading.
- Listen to Them – Be supportive and sympathetic to their cravings, their feelings and their worries.
- Learn the Facts – Quitting smoking isn’t a simple matter of willpower. It is a powerful addiction that needs to be broken over time. Learn the facts so you can help your friend or loved one understand what they are up against as they break their nicotine addiction.
Want to try something else? What about Nicoderm?
Nicoderm is a small clear smoking cessation aid. The patch is placed on your arm and helps reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that are often a part of the process of quitting smoking.
To learn more about Nicoderm please read our article “ Can a Nicoderm Patch Help You Stop Smoking?”
If you have questions about your prescription medications or any other medication, please contact our team at Canada Online Health by calling toll free 1-800-399-DRUG (3784). One of our patient representatives will be happy to assist you or transfer you to a licensed Canadian pharmacist for a free consultation.
This article contains medical information provided to help you better understand this particular medical condition or process, and may contain information about medication often used as part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. It is not intended to be used as either a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of your particular medical situation. If you are unwell, concerned about your physical or mental state, or are experiencing symptoms you should speak with your doctor or primary health care provider. If you are in medical distress please contact emergency services (such as 911).
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