The road to quitting smoking is not an easy one to walk on. If you are someone who has been trying to quit for some time and failing at it repeatedly, then you know what we mean here. Quitting smoking is not only about getting rid of a bad habit. It is way more complicated than that. Even when you know the harmful effects of smoking on your body and mind, and have made a strong resolve to quit smoking, you will still struggle a lot. It is a full-fledged battle that involves fighting the physical dependency as well as the psychological triggers. While there are many societal and environmental reasons also that force us to smoke again and again, it is actually nicotine addiction that makes it really difficult to quit smoking.
As you know tobacco contains many harmful toxins and one of these harmful toxins is nicotine. It is a highly addictive substance that manipulates our minds and makes our bodies crave it. When consumed, it tricks our brain into releasing the feel-good neurotransmitters – dopamine and serotonin – these transmitters make us instantly feel happy and relieved. They act as instant stress busters and make us feel a sense of relief. This makes us dependent on this feeling and we kind of keep on seeking this kick throughout the day. The more we smoke, the more our body craves for it. This is because, over a period of time, our body starts developing a nicotine tolerance and starts seeking more amounts to get the same rush. This leads to nicotine dependence.
When your body does not get nicotine, meaning that you stop smoking, it experiences many unpleasant nicotine withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, moodiness, lack of concentration, sleeplessness and do on.
However, there exists a powerful tool that can help fight these nicotine cravings in a safe manner. Nicotine Replacement Therapy products are wide range of medically approved products that are a great way to curb the nicotine craving symptoms. In this blog, we will talk about how do they work, explore their diverse benefits and shed some light on their various types.
First of all – what are NRT products?
They are medically approved products that help in Nicotine Replacement Therapy. They come loaded with a certain amount of nicotine that you can put in your body in a controlled manner and manage your nicotine withdrawal symptoms without having to light any cigarette.
Benefits of NRT products are many, including:
Customization and flexible approach – the best part about NRT products is that they keep you in charge. You can customize your quitting plan as per your needs and requirements. They are available in various types and hence you have the freedom to choose the type that works best for you. This flexibility and customization gives you convenience and empowers you to be able to eventually quit.
Enhances success rates in quitting smoking – there have been many studies around the world that have indicated the same thing – using NRT products significantly increases the likelihood of quitting. They act as supportive tools that help you navigate your way out of the smoking habit. They help you sail through by taking care of one of the biggest challenges associated with quitting smoking.
Gradual reduction and lowered exposure to harmful chemicals – NRT products work on the principle of gradual reduction. This means that you start with a dose that suits and matches your requirements and eventually you switch to a lower dose. This means that you train your body to start functioning with a gradually lowering dose of nicotine without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.
Now that you fully understand the functioning and benefits of NRT products, it is now time to meet the various types of NRT products available in the market. It doesn’t matter which product you think matches your lifestyle or needs, it is always necessary to talk to a doctor to get initiated into the work of NRT products.
Nicotine gums – They are one of the most popular type of NRT products that come in 2 doses – 2mg and 4mg. It is easy to Nicotine Gum Buy Online India as the 2mg one can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. They are highly portable and can be used with ease. Just like a gum, you need to pop them in your mouth but chew on them really slowly. You need to chew till they release a peppery flavor and then park them between your mouth and gums. The anti tobacco gums will then release nicotine that will get absorbed into your body via your mouth lining.
Nicotine Patches – they are another type of NRT products which are useful for people who do not want to be on top of their nicotine craving throughout the day. You can put a fresh patch on your clean and dry skin every morning and it will then slowly release nicotine in your body through the skin. While they are completely safe some people might have some skin irritation if they have sensitive skin.
Nicotine tablets – just like nicotine gums, they are an oral form of NRT. But they are discreet as compared to the gums as you do not have to chew on them. Simply put a tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve slowly. The nicotine will get released into your body via the mouth’s lining.
Nicotine inhalers – they are a quick and rapid way to get a shot of nicotine. They need to be prescribed by a doctor. They work for people as they mimic the act of smoking to some extent. They deliver a nicotine vapor that is absorbed by the lungs. Some people do complain about coughing, runny nose or nausea after using them.
Nicotine nasal spray – This prescription-only nasal spray lets you squirt a quick burst of nicotine into your bloodstream directly through your nose. Some common side effects of nasal sprays are coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes.
While NRT products are absolutely safe to use, it is always recommended to consult your doctor. Especially if you are a teenager or are someone who is pregnant. Do consult with your doctor. Additionally, if you have had a recent episode of heart stroke or heart attack, then you should also talk to your healthcare provider before getting started on any NRT product.
In the end, remember that NRT products are aids that help in smoking cessation. They should be used carefully and must not be abused. They are not alternatives to smoking, they are products that are designed to help you get rid of nicotine addiction in a scientifically proven manner.