Stop Smoking Aids and the Quest for Better Health
Written by: Ashley Anderson
More People Are Quitting Smoking
In the quest for better health, more of us are realizing the dangers of smoking, and turning to a variety of stop smoking aids to battle nicotine addiction and the ravages of withdrawal. But with all of the many products available, how is one to know which is the best choice?
Stop Smoking Aids
While different people have different levels of nicotine addiction and different views on how they should quit, one thing remains a constant, quitting smoking takes dedication, support, and plenty of patience in conjunction with any of the following stop smoking aids.
The Nicotine Patch
The nicotine patch is a small self-adhesive patch worn on the skin which releases small amounts of nicotine into the bloodstream. The patch is replaced every day and is worn on the body anywhere between the waist and neck, with the most common spot being the upper arm. Nicotine patches are easy to use, and don't require a prescription. However, one of the main drawbacks of the patch is that it's not possible to quickly deal with cravings as it takes time for nicotine to pass through the skin, and then into the blood.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is generally used over a period of up to 12 weeks and is useful for satisfying sudden cravings. It's also available over-the-counter, and many people report that one piece every hour for the first few weeks control their cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. This method may not be the best choice for people with dental work or who don't enjoy chewing gum, and as with most nicotine-replacement methods, it may be dangerous to smoke while using gum.
Nicotine Inhalers
Nicotine inhalers are a stop smoking aid touted as useful for those wishing to mimic the hand-to-mouth movements associated with smoking. A vapor containing nicotine is released after puffing on a device with a cartridge inside. Rather than inhaling into the lungs, the vapor is meant to be held in the mouth before exhaling to be absorbed through the lining of the throat and mouth.
Nicotine Inhalers
Similar to nicotine gum, lozenges are another of the most popular stop smoking aids for those seeking to quickly control their cravings. Nicotine lozenges come in different flavors and resemble hard candy. They are available without a prescription in two different dosages, two or four milligrams and may be used for up to 12 weeks.
Nicotine Nasal Spray
Reaching the bloodstream more quickly than other methods, nicotine spray may be used as many as five times per hour and is available by prescription. Stop smoking aids such as the nasal spray are beneficial in that they allow the user to control, and decrease the number of doses, with most people needing one to two mists an hour. Nicotine nasal spray may be used anywhere from eight to 12 weeks and isn't recommended for those with sinus conditions, allergies, or asthma.
Prescription Medications
Varenicline and bupropion are two oral medications used as stop smoking aids and are useful for blocking cravings and controlling withdrawal symptoms. Both require a prescription and are sold under the brand names of Chantix and Zyban respectively.
