Nicotine Replacement Therapy weans a smoker off the
nicotine addiction

With nicotine replacement, nicotine is slowly released into your system. This is done over a relative long period in time, while the amount of nicotine that is relieved into your system is gradually tapered off. The craving for nicotine is reduced and it becomes possible to stop smoking without the bad withdrawal symptoms associated with the quitting process.

Replacement is used to release small constant doses of nicotine into the body. This method excludes the gasses and tars that are found in tobacco and cigarette smoke and it makes withdrawal much easier.

With nicotine replacement therapy it is possible to regulate the amount of nicotine that is released. This is why it is possible to keep on reducing the amount of nicotine that is released into your system.

When reaching the end of a replacement course the dependence on nicotine will be greatly decreased. By this time you will also be used to the fact that you do not smoke any more at your usual times.

When trying to quit smoking a two step process is always involved. It is necessary to overcome the physical addiction as well as breaking the smoking habit. Replacement therapy is used to break the nicotine addiction. To further assist in breaking the habit it is always a good idea to also participate in a behavior change program. Studies have shown that these support techniques can double a person’s change to quit and to stay stopped.

The FDA has approved five types of nicotine replacement therapy:

1) Nicotine gum (nicotine polacrilex) is a fast acting form of replacement. The nicotine is taken in through the mucous membrane.

2) Nicotine lozenges are hard candies. The candies dissolve slowly and release nicotine into the mouth.

3) Nicotine patches are self-adhesive strips that give a measured dose of nicotine through the skin.

4) Nicotine nasal spray is a pump with nicotine in an aerolized form. The nicotine is sprayed into the nostrils and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Nicotine nasal spray is only available by prescription.

5) The Nicotine inhaler is a “puffer” which set free nicotine vapors when sucked on it. The Nicotine inhaler is only available by prescription.

Different nicotine replacement options:

One option is to combine the patch with one of the shorter acting replacement products to help you at times when you get strong cravings.

Another option is to use a higher dose of nicotine, depending on the amount of cigarettes a person smokes per day. This option is used by Nicoderm CQ where higher doses are made available to heavy smokers.

When planning to use more than one of the NRT options it is best to consult a doctor before doing it.

Some important facts about nicotine replacement therapy:

1) Nrt products are save to use. The products contain only nicotine and none of the other harmful substances that are contained in smoke.

2) All forms of NRT products appear to be equally effective.

3) Want to quitters double their changes to quit when making use of one of these products.

4) The best change to attain success with one of these products is to use it for at least eight to twelve weeks.

5) Patches, gums and lozenges can be bought over the counter. Spray and the inhaler must be prescribed by a doctor.

Words of caution w.r.t. nicotine replacement:

1) The products are only meant to use for a limited period. It is best to taper down to lower doses before NRT is stopped.

2) Non prescription replacement products should not be sold to pregnant persons or to persons under the age of 18 years, or to persons with heart disease.

3) If you keep on smoking while using NRT it could lead to the suffering of an overdose of nicotine.

4) Beverages, and especially acidic beverages, should be avoided when using NRT. It can cause the body not to absorb the nicotine properly and lead to a relapse, because of a nicotine shortage.

Some conclusive facts about nicotine replacement therapy:

Replacement therapy is not a cure all and for some people it does not work, but this is only for a small minority.

It works for most people and being not to expensive it is worth the effort.

Available NRT products:

Nicorette gum...reduces nicotine intake.Click here to read about Nicorette gum.

Nicotine Gum...controls the amount of nicotine that is delivered into your body Click here to read about nicotine gum.

The Nicotine Inhaler... helps you to quit while still maintaining the smoking action. Click here to read about the nicotine inhaler.

Nicotine Nasal Spray...quickly relieves nicotine cravings. Click here to read about fast acting nicotine nasal spray.

Nicotine Patches...gradually reduce nicotine intake through the skin. Click here to read about the nicotine patch.

The Nicotrol Inhaler ...gradually reduces the nicotine that is provided to your body. Click here to read about the nicotrol inhaler.

Return from nicotine replacement to quit smoking at once.