One of the main reasons people fail to give up smoking is the cravings produced by not having a regular intake of nicotine, the highly-addictive chemical found in cigarettes. To combat these cravings, there is a large range of nicotine replacement products available; the most popular options are listed below:
- Gum: gum provides almost instantaneous relief from cravings.
- Patches: patches provide long-term relief from cravings, as they are worn for up to 24 hours. Patches are particularly useful for people who are used to smoking a large quantity of cigarettes each day.
- Lozenges: these release nicotine slowly and take around 20 minutes to dissolve.
- Inhalators: this plastic stick resembles a cigarette and is useful for those that miss the actual act of smoking.
- Nasal spray: this produces a quick burst of nicotine, which is absorbed through the nose.
Nicotine replacement products may not be suitable for everyone, but they have been proven to help many people quit smoking. People that use both nicotine replacement products and attend local help groups are four times more likely to give up for good than those that rely on willpower alone. You should consult your doctor to see if you are a suitable candidate for nicotine replacement therapy; if you are pregnant or have a serious health condition you may be advised to seek alternative treatment.
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