Smoking Cessation Aids - An introductory Eyeopener
There are range of useful aids to assist you in smoking cessation - ranging from nicotine replacement products to pharmaceutical drugs. Most smokers who have decided to quit smoking have opted to do so for the health benefits and may not be eager to start with drug therapy immediately. Nicotine replacement aids can be useful in that they allow you to supplement your nicotine cravings without resorting to a cigarette. The purpose of nicotine aids should be seen as a method to break the psychological need to smoke a cigarette and upon overcoming this habit, the smoker can then focus on overcoming their nicotine dependence.
Methods of Quitting Smoking through External Aids
Each method of nicotine replacement, trans-dermal patch, gum, spray or pill, administer metered doses of nicotine into the body either at the will of the user or in small doses throughout the day. Gums and sprays either use the oral or nasal passages to administer small doses of nicotine through the thin linings of these cavities. However, most users complain about factors such as taste, burning and irritation of the area of administration. Very often, these aids are quickly stopped as the smoker returns to tobacco for their nicotine needs. More recently nicotine gels and creams have made an entrance into the market which work by rubbing the topical application on the skin. These applications are absorbed through the skin much like the trans-dermal patches thereby delivering the nicotine directly into the blood stream. There has been much controversy surrounding nicotine gels and creams as many in the medical industry claim that the skin is a barrier and would not permit large amounts of any foreign substance to enter the body immediately. However, many users of nicotine gels and creams claim that it is one of the most effective nicotine replacement therapies without the unpleasant side effects. Nicotine pills are also an option as they deliver nicotine at a steady rate into the gut but may cause significant gastric disturbances. These time-release capsules are designed to control the nicotine release and allay withdrawal symptoms and craving.
A note of Oral Quit Smoking Medications - Chantix and Zyban
Oral medication ranging from herbal remedies to pharmaceutical drugs have become popular in the recent years as they assist with the withdrawal symptoms and reduce nicotine cravings. Drugs like Chantix usually do not replace nicotine but targets the areas of the brain associated with nicotine addiction. Another popular drug, Zyban reduces withdrawal symptoms by providing mood stabilizing compounds to prevent moodiness and depression which is prevalent in individuals who quit smoking. However oral medication has been reported to have a host of side effects including dryness of the mouth, gastric disturbances and mood disorders. Oral medication to quit smoking should be overlooked by your medial practitioner to take into consideration your health status and needs to avoid any complications or drug interaction.
While there is an abundance of smoking aids, the decision to quit smoking is a conscious decision on the part of the smoker and requires patience, perseverance and will power. Smoking aids should be used to assist the smoker rather than being viewed as a complete solution to quit smoking.