Nicotine Patch

Watch this video first - it will make you want to quit smoking immediately

When it comes to products available to help you quit smoking there are several types of nicotine replacement products that are available over-the-counter.  These products include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and nicotine lozenges.

Of these, the nicotine patch is one of the more popular forms of smoking cessation treatment.  The patch is one form of nicotine replacement that just may help you to reach your goal of quitting cigarettes.

These nicotine patches are available under a number of different brand names and will help you to quit smoking by reducing your craving for nicotine.

Some of these brand names are Nicotrol, Nicorette, Habitrol, and Nicoderm. You cna also find then on sale through various generic manufacturers.

Of the nicotine replacement products we mentioned above, you may find the nicotine patches more convenient than nicotine gum.  The patches though, do not provide folks with the oral distraction that some smokers feel that they need in their attempts to break their smoking habit.

However some folks find they don't particularly like the taste of nicotine gum or may also find themselves in situations where chewing gum may not be acceptable.

The nicotine patch looks like a bandage and as you may have guessed, it is applied to your skin.  Through a transdermal process, the patch releases nicotine through your skin and into your bloodstream where it is carried to the receptors in your brain.

The patch delivers this nicotine at a controlled rate throughout the day.  This controlled rate of nicotine release is designed to control and reduce your craving for nicotine.  This process helps make it easier for you to overcome the effects of nicotine withdrawal while you quit smoking cigarettes.

Nicotine patches are not intended to be used long term but are a temporary aid to assist you in your quit smoking efforts.

Nicotine Patches Help You Conquer Withdraw Symptoms
The use of these patches can help you in your struggle against the withdrawal symptoms you will face when you stop smoking.  Wearing the nicotine patch will lessen the severity of nicotine craving, tenseness, drowsiness, irritability, and lack of concentration.

Although the use of the patch will keep your cravings and withdrawal symptoms from being as intense, do not expect these symptoms to disappear completely.

How Successful are the Nicotine Patches?

Research has shown that the use of these patches can double your chances of quitting smoking successfully for the long term with no adverse health consequences.

A study found in the Journal Of the American Medical Association has this to say, "The nicotine patch is an effective aid to quitting smoking across different patch-use strategies. Active patch subjects were more than twice as likely to quit smoking as individuals wearing a placebo patch, and this effect was present at both high and low intensities of counseling. The nicotine patch is an effective smoking cessation aid and has the potential to improve public health significantly."

What this means is that folks who use the nicotine patch to help them quit smoking are more than twice as likely to be successful as folks who don't.

Also research has shown that the patches may work just as well for teenagers who were trying to kick their smoking habit.  A study appearing in The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and conducted by Joel Killen, PhD, professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and lead author of the study had this to say, “We’re encouraged because in our study the initial quit rates for kids treated with nicotine patches and skills training were similar to those seen in adults. Just as importantly, most of the kids in the study were able to substantially reduce their tobacco usage, which has not been seen in previous studies.”

Nicotine Patches and Behavior Modification

Although it has been found that the use of nicotine patches alone are successful in helping folks to quit smoking, they are even more successful when combined with some type of behavior modification program, counseling, and support.

The reason for this seems to be that all though effective alone to help less in a person's physical deep and hints on nicotine, behavior modification can help to change the habits that can make you crave a cigarette

Nicotine Patch Availability
Back in 1992 the nicotine patch was available by prescription only in the United States.  In 1996 according to the FDA, the patch was made available over-the-counter without a prescription in drugstores.

Today nicotine patches can be purchased without a prescription in many countries and can be routinely purchased without a prescription over-the-counter at your local pharmacy and even online.

These patches are available in several dosages corresponding to how heavy a smoker you all are.  These dosages are 21, 14, and 7 mg.

Are There Any Side Effects of Nicotine Patches

It is believed that these side effects associated with the patch are generally mild.  These side effects may include itching or tangling when the patch is applied.  Also it is suggested that you do not smoke while using these patches.

Some folks are concerned about possible addiction to nicotine patches. As mentioned above, these patches are available in various dosages and enable you to slowly decrease the level of nicotine you are providing. This makes addiction to nicotine patches much less likely. Also, overdose will not be a concern unless you stick patches all over your body then you are going to end up getting sick.

Conclusion

Some folks seem to feel that nicotine patches are a bit expensive but compared to what folks spend on cigarettes the costs are comparable.

If you feel you may want to give these patches a try in your quest to quit smoking, talk to your doctor or health care provider to see if these patches may be right for you.

Keep in mind that even though these patches have been proven successful in helping folks stop smoking, you still have to be motivated to quit in order for you to be successful. Also remeber to be patient with yourself.

You will want to check with your doctor if you plan on using the patch during pregnancy or are planning on getting pregnant.

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