Tobacco addiction has devastating effects on the human body. Heart disease, cancer and emphysema top the list of ways smoking shortens life expectancy. Understandably, the search for ways to beat tobacco addiction has created a variety of products that aim to substitute tobacco with a less harmful substance, and ease the smoker out of his addiction and into a healthier lifestyle.
Nicotine Gum
Some smokers who aren’t yet prepared to quit use nicotine gum to lessen their cravings while at work or in other locations where smoking is prohibited. Nicotine gum provides a dose of nicotine without the tar that is inhaled when tobacco is smoked. Nicotine gum can be an aid in transitioning from life as a smoker to that of a non-smoker.
MedlinePlus explains that nicotine gum must be chewed in a specific way in order to maximize its effectiveness. The correct process involves chewing the gum until a tingling feeling is detected, then saving it between the cheek and gum, letting the tingling feeling dissipate before commencing to chew again.
Chewing nicotine gum can help break some of the habits associated with smoking, but unless the use of the gum is gradually cut back, the nicotine addiction will continue.
Nicotine Inhalers
Nicotine inhalers allow the smoker to self-administer a dose of nicotine by taking a puff from a plastic inhaler fitted with a cartridge that delivers small doses of nicotine. This smoking alternative fulfills the oral fixation that many smokers crave, while delivering a dose of nicotine without tar.
Nicotine Patch
MayoClinic.com explains that the nicotine patch delivers a steady dose of nicotine transdermally, or through the skin. The skin absorbs the nicotine slowly, and the patch can control cravings and withdrawal symptoms for up to a full day.
Medications
Chantix and Zyban are two prescription medications that can help those who want to stop smoking. Neither of them contains nicotine.
Chantix is the newer of the two drugs. Drugs.com states that Chantix acts to block the centers of the brain where pleasure is derived from smoking. Those taking Chantix begin their prescription one week before their smoking quit date, gradually increasing the dosage throughout the week. The medication is taken for 12 weeks, with a second 12-week course sometimes prescribed to increase the patient's chances for long-term smoking cessation.
Zyban is marketed as an antidepressant under the name Wellbutrin. It boosts brain chemicals that reduce nicotine withdrawal. Like Chantix, Zyban is taken for at least a week before quitting smoking, in order for the drug to reach an effective dosage level in the body. The prescription is continued for up to 12 weeks, and is most effective when combined with counseling.
