WAYS OF ADMINISTERING NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NRT)

With the millions of people around the world hooked on nicotine, medical practitioners are looking for effective ways to help them quit.

Nicotine is an addictive substance that causes actual physical dependency. As such, nicotine withdrawal or lack off thereof, will cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Quitting smoking is hard and will only work if you have a deep commitment to it. It is also one of the most important changes you can make to ensure longevity and improve your overall health.

In this article, we are going to discuss the various methods of administering nicotine replacement therapy.

• Electronic cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes like SMOK mods are one of the most effective ways of nicotine replacement therapy. It is a process that allows you to wean off nicotine addiction. Electronic cigarettes use e-liquids that come in different nicotine strengths.

After using electronic cigarettes for a while, consider dropping down one nicotine level. This is a bit scary, especially for heavy smokers. You will notice a difference but since you are still consuming some nicotine, the withdrawal symptoms are not as bad. Do this until you are at the lowest nicotine level then you could try the nicotine-free e-liquid.

Besides, electronic cigarettes are 95% safer than conventional tobacco cigarettes. They do not contain tar, carbon monoxide, and other carcinogenic substances that are harmful to the body.

• Nicotine transdermal

Also known as nicotine patches, nicotine transdermal is a patch that is placed on the upper arm are releases doses of nicotine that are absorbed into the body.

Like the e-liquids, nicotine patches come in different strengths. It should be applied in a clean, non-hairy place. It is best to use one patch a day and when you feel comfortable, lower your dosage to a dose that will decrease your urge to smoke without serious withdrawal symptoms; maybe just symptoms you can handle.

Remember, if it's a prescription from your doctor, follow his advice to the letter. For the over the counter medication, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions.

• Nicotine gum

These are chewing gums that are prescribed by a health practitioner to smokers who are looking to quit the bad habit. Nicotine gums offer an oral substitute that reduces smoking urges.

Nicotine gums should only be chewed and not swallowed. Avoid using them more often than prescribed.

For the first 6 weeks of using nicotine gums, chew one gum every 1 or 2 hours. After that, use one every 2 to 4 hours for a 3-week duration. Then gradually increase the time between oral administration of the gum.

Chew the gum until you feel a tingling sensation in the mouth. Then stop chewing the gum and place it between your gum and cheeks until the tingling disappears. Repeat this procedure for at least 30 minutes before throwing it out.

All these smoking cessation aids should be used in addition to certain programs that include non-smoking support groups, counseling, and other necessary programs that aim for behavioral change. Unless you are sure of it, avoid going cold turkey as it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and kill any chances you had of success.