Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause nicotine addiction. Nicotine is the main active ingredient in tobacco smoke. It makes quitting tobacco products difficult, because the body becomes used to its regular dosage of nicotine. When nicotine no longer enters the body, cravings for the drug develop. People who wish to quit smoking can choose from various treatment to overcome nicotine addiction.
Nicotine Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy provides small doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke, MayoClinic.com explains. Nicotine replacement treatment helps people get through the withdrawal symptoms ex-smokers experience when the body craves nicotine. The therapy helps people focus on the emotional attachment ex-smokers have to smoking. Physical withdrawal is a major hurdle when giving up smoking, but emotions play a major role because a person be in the habit of smoking at certain times of the day or during particular situations.
Types
Nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, nasal sprays or inhalers can help people give up smoking. Nicotine patches deliver nicotine through the skin and into the bloodstream. Gums reach the bloodstream through the mouth and can be chewed throughout the day. Lozenges dissolve in the mouth and go to the bloodstream. People can buy patches, gums and lozenges over the counter. Doctors can prescribe nasal sprays and inhalers. Sprays go into the nostrils and enter the bloodstream after being absorbed through the nasal membranes. People puff on inhalers, similar to smoking a cigarette. The nicotine enters the bloodstream through the mouth.
Medication
Antidepressants, such as bupropion and nortriptyline, help alter brain chemistry by boosting chemicals affected by nicotine. The drugs do not contain nicotine, but provide a mimicking effect. Sometimes antidepressants are prescribed along with nicotine patches. Side effects of the medications include sleeping difficulties and dry mouth. Antidepressants can help smokers avoid weight gain when quitting. Varenicline tartrate, sold as Chantrix, also works on chemicals in the brain affected by nicotine. The medication helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and the pleasurable feelings smokers get from tobacco smoke, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Side effects may include nausea, headaches and insomnia. Doctors may prescribe clonidine if other medications do not work. Clonidine treats high blood pressure. It has possible side effects of drowsiness and sedation.
Encouragement
Smoking cessation clinics and support groups that include ex-smokers work to encourage people to stay off tobacco. Hospitals, health departments, community centers and workplaces often provide these programs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People may choose individual or group counseling methods. Nicotine Anonymous uses a 12-step process similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.
High-Tech Support
People who quit smoking can also get support from counseling over the telephone or on the Internet. They can turn to the services anytime of the day without having to drive to a certain location for support. Counselors help people with tips, quitting plans and encouragement so they don't start smoking again. Some programs even offer messaging services with personal reminders about quitting.
