Nicotine Replacement Therapy Options

There are a number of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) options available that can help make quitting smoking easier by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. NRT products deliver nicotine to the body in a manner that bypasses smoking. This allows smokers to still receive nicotine but avoids the harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke. Common NRT options include nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers and nasal sprays. Nicotine patches are placed on the skin and slowly release nicotine into the body over 16-24 hours to help control cravings. Nicotine gum and lozenges are chewed or dissolved slowly in the mouth when cravings occur. Nicotine inhalers mimic the hand-to-mouth motion of smoking and nicotine nasal sprays deliver nicotine quickly into the bloodstream. NRT products are available over-the-counter or with a doctor's prescription depending on dosage. They are generally safe to use for up to 3 months to help get through the initial withdrawal period after quitting smoking.

Prescription Medications

In addition to Smoking Cessation and Nicotine De-addiction Products there are some prescription medications that can be used to aid smoking cessation. Bupropion SR (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) are non-nicotine medications approved by the FDA to help smokers quit. Both medications work to partially satisfy the craving for nicotine while also blocking its effects. They can be used with or without NRT for additional support. Bupropion SR is typically taken as 150mg tablets, twice daily for 7-12 weeks. Common side effects are dry mouth and insomnia. Varenicline comes as 0.5mg or 1mg tablets taken once or twice daily depending on the phase of treatment, which typically lasts 12-24 weeks. Nausea is the most frequently reported side effect but usually passes after a few weeks. Both bupropion and varenicline have shown to nearly double a smoker's chance of successfully quitting compared to using willpower alone.

Behavioral Support

Having behavioral support when trying to quit smoking can be highly beneficial in increasing chances of long term success. This includes activities like individual or group counseling sessions with a trained smoking cessation counselor. Counselors provide guidance on coping strategies, triggers to avoid, symptoms to expect from withdrawal and how to address cravings. Local hospitals, community health centers or your doctor's office may offer smoking cessation counseling either in-person or over the phone. Many tobacco quit lines also connect smokers to counselors who can help throughout the quitting process. Peer support groups through organizations like the American Lung Association offer a supportive environment with others going through similar challenges. Explaining your quit plan to friends and family can also help by enlisting their encouragement and accountability support during difficult times.

Alternative Therapies

In addition to prescription medications and behavioral support, some alternative therapies may provide additional aid for nicotine detoxification and withdrawal symptoms. Hypnosis therapy uses hypnosis techniques to help reprogram automatic triggers and behaviors linked to smoking urges. Acupuncture applies thin needles to specific points on the body believed to help relieve nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. Hypnotherapy and acupuncture are generally safe but require multiple sessions with a certified practitioner over weeks or months to get the full benefit. Other options include herbal supplements like St. John's wort or valerian root which are thought to have relaxing properties that may help reduce irritability, anxiety or insomnia related to nicotine withdrawal. However, herbal remedies have varying levels of research support and should only be used under guidance of a medical professional. Healthy diet, exercise and stress management techniques can also contribute to coping without smoking.

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