Smoking cigarettes can be an unhealthy habit and often becomes an addiction in itself. Unfortunately, many negative conditions can develop as a result, including poor heart and lung functioning. If you want to stop, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has come up with several ways to help you on that journey. Using products to help you quit smoking will increase your chances of stopping significantly and lead you to a better quality of life.
Nicotine Patch
A nicotine patch is a small, non-adhesive patch that slowly releases nicotine into your bloodstream. The patch is applied to a hairless area of skin between your waist and neck, like your upper arm or your chest. Nicotine patches are very easy to use, with no prescription required. Doing so would allow you to control your nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms every day. Keep in mind that you need to replace the patch every 24 hours. Therefore, consistency is important to maintain nicotine blood levels and avoid sudden cravings and/or withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum has a small amount of nicotine that is absorbed through the lining of your mouth and carried through your body. When you first start using nicotine gum, you can chew a piece every one to two hours, consuming up to 24 pieces a day. To release the nicotine in your nicotine gum, bite a piece until it leaves a peppery taste or a tingling sensation in your mouth. For maximum absorption, hold the gum between your gum line and cheek until the taste or tingling sensation stops. Repeat the cycle for half an hour or until all the nicotine has been used. Use your nicotine gum consistently throughout the day to control your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a prescription antidepressant. Using this medication for an extended amount of time can help you stop smoking. Bupropion can decrease tobacco cravings and withdrawal symptoms by increasing specific brain chemical levels. It can take several days for effects to be noticed. Therefore, you should take this medication a week or two before you decide to stop smoking. Since this is a pill, bupropion is easy to use and can be combined with other smoking aids. Using any of these smoking aids can increase your chances of never feeling the cravings for a tobacco product again.
Smoking can lead to several serious, life-threatening physical consequences. Using nicotine replacement aids can be a very effective resource for quitting smoking and getting your health back. Despite what you may think, quitting smoking is possible and you do not have to go through the difficult journey alone. Your chances will pull through the minute you take that first step to get help. You can seek help over at Alta Loma’s transformative treatment facility. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with the tools you need to stop using inhalants. Our services include up to 24 months of residency, medication management, individualized therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, and much more. We understand that smoking is a part of your daily routine. We can introduce you to healthy ways to cope with your cravings. Please take that first step by giving us a call at (866) 457-3843.
