If you are considering quitting smoking, you need to consider nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is when you use aids to replace cigarettes with small, measured amounts of nicotine. By gradually reducing the amount, it helps ease the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawals. Nicotine replacement aids contain only small amounts of nicotine and none of the harmful poisonous and/or carcinogenic chemicals that cigarettes have, so they are safe to use.

Patches

Patches are a popular choice by people who are trying to quit smoking. They look like a bandage, come in all shapes and sizes, and can be placed on your body where they aren't noticeable or can't be seen by others. They contain a small amount of nicotine and work by slowly releasing while you are wearing the patch. The nicotine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood stream.

Gum

Some people prefer the gum to patches because it also satisfies their urge to have something in their mouth. Like patches, the gum has small amounts of nicotine but is absorbed through the lining of your cheek instead of your skin.

Nasal Spays

Of all the different nicotine replacement therapy aids, nasal spray is the fastest on the market in regard to getting nicotine into your system. It looks much like the nasal sprays you use when you have a cold or allergies. This aid comes in a pump bottle that you spray into your nostrils. Each pump is a measured dose but because it reaches your bloodstream so quickly and is potent, you must have a prescription.

Inhaler

Inhalers are plastic devices that have a cartridge attached which contains the nicotine. They look much like a cigarette and you put it in your mouth to inhale a puff of nicotine. Many people like these because it is similar to going through the motions of smoking. However, that might actually make quitting smoking harder to do because you are reinforcing the feelings you get from smoking. A prescription is required for inhalers also.

Before you start your "quit smoking" program, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or care giver. Discuss with them which of these nicotine replacement therapy aids would be best for you and how to properly use them. By choosing the correct one, these aids can make it much easier to quit smoking. Make a decision about which one to use and get started today.

Jason Ladock

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