For decades, quitting smoking meant simply putting them down.  For many, the nicotine dependence had been simply too strong.  They did not feel that the addiction could be overcome or were nervous about the symptoms of withdrawal that they might have suffered.  As a result, they continued to smoke.  Nicotine addiction is now a known medical condition, and is considered to be a life threatening one.

 

Smoking causes 1 out of every 5 deaths in the United States and each and every one of them are premature and preventable.

Nicotine replacement therapy was developed by pharmaceutical companies as a way to help alleviate the symptoms associated with quitting smoking.  There are two processes that occur during smoking cessation; one is psychological and led by habit, the second is pure chemical addiction.  The theory behind nicotine replacement is to allow the new ex-smoker time to deal with the habits and behavior associated with smoking without the added stress of nicotine withdrawal.

 

Over a period of several weeks, the dose of nicotine is gradually reduced in the hopes that absolute nicotine cessation will coincide with already successful behavior modification.  The length of time and starting doses are dependent on how many cigarettes you smoked each day.

Nicotine replacement typically comes in over the counter patches and gums, but nasal sprays and inhalers are also available.  The gum, nasal spray, and inhalers are used on an “as-needed” basis with a recommended daily amount that fits in with your program.  This allows for a quick dose when a craving occurs, in much the same way as a cigarette is used.  The patch, however, is worn all of the time and gives a steady release of a lower dose of nicotine. 

 

Cravings occur much more rarely when the patch is worn because the addiction is being continuously fed.  The patches can be worn a full 24 hours or taken off at bedtime.  Which course you take depends on whether or not you are likely to crave cigarettes at night or first thing in the morning.  The patch often causes vivid dreams due to nicotine’s stimulant effect on the nervous system, so take it off at bedtime if this becomes a problem.

When used as part of an overall smoking cessation program, nicotine replacement therapy can work very well.  You must be dedicated to quitting, stop smoking and begin using a NRT product on your designated stop date, and use the NRT regularly for at least 8 to 12 weeks while working on behavior modification.  Just using it every now and then will undermine your entire plan; either use NRT in the recommended way or go cold turkey.  When you do eventually stop using the NRT product, expect to experience some withdrawal for the first 72 hours and then a gradual reduction of the symptoms for anywhere from 1 week to 2 months, depending on your level of addiction and how well you were able to step down the dosages.

  
The problem with nicotine replacement therapy is that it addresses the nicotine addiction later.  While this seems to be the point of the therapy, it can cause problems for those trying to quit.  They can develop a false confidence believing that they have kicked the habit, when in fact they are simply still medicating their addiction in a different way.  Six months down the road, many ex-smokers are still using their NRT products.  If the product is not available, they will not hesitate to medicate with a cigarette. 

 

Long term use of any NRT product is not believed to have any adverse health effects, and is preferable to smoking.  A nicotine patch addiction will not give you cancer and emphysema – the entire reason for quitting in the first place.  However, unless that addiction gets addressed, you are vulnerable to starting smoking again.  Tell your doctor if you are having difficulty weaning yourself off of any NRT product.