After making up your mind that you will quit smoking, the next thing that you will ask yourself is “How can I quit from smoking?”It’s a tough question because you don’t decide that you will finally quit smoking and then “voila!”, you’re a non-smoker. For all those months and years you’ve spent inhaling and tasting that tobacco smoke, you must have developed dependence. That good feeling you get when you start tasting that smoke may have captivated you for so long that the mere thought of not being able to smoke in one day will make you shiver. Now, how can you quit smoking after that dependence you’ve been living on for some time? One answer to that is a nicotine patch.
What is a nicotine patch?
They are patches that are used to deliver a measured dose of nicotine through the skin. Many types and different strengths of these patches are available. The patch sticks to your skin and slowly releases nicotine through the skin into your bloodstream. You get a daily dose of nicotine everyday without harming other people and the environment you live in.
How does it work?
Smokers become dependent on the nicotine in cigarettes with time. Hormones such as dopamine and norepinephrine are released in their brain when they smoke. These hormones give a feeling of well-being, making it hard for smokers to quit the vice. When smokers cease from smoking, the levels of these hormones drop. Because their bodies have been used to these chemicals, sudden decrease in the level of these hormones results to craving. When the body craves for nicotine, so-called undesirable “withdrawal symptoms” develop. These symptoms include grouchiness and hunger.
By delivering nicotine into the bloodstream, nicotine patches keeps the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain temporarily, resulting to a reduction in the withdrawal symptoms. The level of nicotine replaced can be slowly reduced until a person no longer needs it.
How to use a nicotine patch?
Instructions on how to use the product, as well as special considerations and possible side effects are listed in the package, so read it and follow directions carefully.
Where can I get/buy a nicotine patch?
Nicotine patches can be bought with or without a prescription. But it is best to consult your medical doctor before using this product.
Nicotine patch, like other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, can aid you in the quitting process. And with other methods (to deal with the emotional and mental part of smoking) and DETERMINATION and PERSISTENCE , you can say goodbye to smoking once and for all.
