8 Ways to Replace Nicotine While You Quit Smoking

Quitting tobacco cigarettes is hard, but quitting cold turkey, without any nicotine at all, is downright impossible. Research shows that quitters who wean themselves off their habit slowly with reliable sources of nicotine are significantly more likely to remain smoke-free for good. Instead of putting yourself (and your loved ones) through the insurmountable stress of nicotine withdrawals, you can find relief with any of the following nicotine replacements while you endeavor to kick the habit for good. 1. Cigars Most cigarette smokers have partaken in a strong-bodied, robust-flavored cigar at least once in their lives, and most will attest that it is quite the enjoyable experience. The nicotine in most cigars is high enough to satisfy cravings and provide a gentle buzz, and although the motions of enjoyment are the same — lighting, holding, drawing, exhaling — cigar smoke should never enter your lungs, which cuts back on the likelihood of developing respiratory ailments. 2. Pipes Much the same as a cigar but with more prep-work (and prestige) pipes require tobacco as their nicotine source, but because smokers don’t inhale the smoke into their lungs, the resulting buzz is mild and pleasant. Pipes are more fun than cigarettes for many smokers because they require a ceremony of sorts to smoke; you must carefully clean, fill, and light your pipe for the perfect experience. Plus, pipes conjure up images of bearded, elbow-padded professors discussing complex philosophical issues, so this nicotine replacement can elevate the tone of any situation. 3. E-Cigarettes E-cigarettes are fast becoming some of the most beloved tools in a quitting smoker’s arsenal. The devices are entirely customizable, from their size and shape to their nicotine strength and flavor, so you should be able to buy and craft an e-cig that is perfect for your needs. Many studies confirm that quitters who use e-cigs to slowly wean themselves off nicotine are significantly more successful than those who try to quit cold turkey or with other smoking cessation tools. 4. Chew This type of tobacco has many names: Chew, spit, pinch, dip, and smokeless are just a few. Some smokers use chew to take in nicotine while they try to end their lifelong habit of taking smoke breaks, and indeed, you may find this method helpful in disassociating comfort and standing near an ashtray with a cigarette in your hand. However, chew can be as harmful to a person’s health as cigarettes, so you should be careful that you don’t substitute one dreadful habit for another. 5. English Snuff In the mid-19th century, the epitome of sophistication was enjoying a pinch of snuff whenever nicotine cravings reared their groggy heads. Snuff has since become a niche tobacco product, but it receives rave reviews from its committed base of fans. Consisting of powdered tobacco mixed with natural flavorings, like mint leaves and flower blends, or artificial flavorings, like chocolate and peanut butter, snuff can provide the same nicotine buzz as a cigarette. Most manufacturers continue to use traditional processes, the product is usually free of most dangerous chemicals. However, it can be difficult to find authentic nasal snuff in the United States; most aficionados import their stash from the U.K. 6. Mouth Spray Developed expressly as a tool to help smokers quit, nicotine mouth spray is fast-acting at providing an appropriate dose of nicotine to stave off cravings. Many companies flavor the spray with mint to make the task refreshing and enjoyable — almost like a breath-freshening spray used after an odiferous meal. Sprays are usually economical and effective, but you must be sure to follow directions perfectly, or you may suffer nicotine poisoning. 7. Gum and Lozenges Smoking is as much a physical addiction as a chemical dependency; most smokers can rightfully claim oral fixations that make the process of holding and inhaling cigarettes that much more enjoyable. That’s why nicotine gum and lozenges see much use and success among those trying to quit: They provide the otherwise inactive mouth and tongue something to do. Smoking-cessation gum and lozenges come in different flavors and nicotine strengths, so you can find the exact treat that does the trick. 8. Patches The skin is just as adept as the mouth and lungs at absorbing nicotine, which is why pharmaceutical companies developed nicotine patches to help smokers quit. Patches provide just enough nicotine to prevent unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, like headaches, irritability, and cravings. However, they neglect to address the ritual of smoking, and many smokers who only use this smoking cessation tool find themselves lighting up even while wearing one or more patches.