Is Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) addictive

 Filed under: FAQ on Stop Smoking, Health & Life, Smoking — admin @ Feb 21st, 2008

Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in cigarettes that’s responsible for making you want to keep smoking. When you smoke, the nicotine reaches your brain in just a few seconds.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) provides much lower levels of nicotine compared to cigarettes, and it’s released much more slowly. As the amount of nicotine is much lower, it’s much less likely to be addictive.

When you stop smoking, your body misses the nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) give you a lower dose of nicotine, which helps to avoid strong withdrawal symptoms. Some studies have shown that using NRT to quit smoking doubles your chances of success.

NRT helps to wean you off nicotine gradually. NRT comes in several forms, including:

  • patches - to stick on your skin,
  • Tablets, lozenges and chewing gum, and
  • Inhalers, and nasal sprays.

Not only they come in different form, they also come in different strengths and release nicotine at different speeds. To illustrate, nicotine is released within a few minutes from nicotine gum, nasal sprays, lozenges and tablets. However, it may take a few hours for the nicotine to be released from nicotine patches.

Addiction to nicotine is related to the speed at which it’s absorbed into your blood. It’s therefore very unlikely to be addicted if you’re using nicotine patches. However, addiction may be more likely with other forms of NRT where the nicotine is absorbed more quickly. So even though you are still taking in poison using NTR, the dosage is much smaller.

To avoid becoming addicted to NRT, you got to follow the instructions carefully and take no more than the recommended dose. If you are still worried, talk to your doctor or counsellor.

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 How to Stop Smoking Without Weight Gain

 Filed under: FAQ on Stop Smoking — admin @ Jan 20th, 2008

I knew for a fact, some smokers - especially woman smokers - refuse to stop smoking because of weight issues. You see, most smokers gain weight - easily over 3 kg - after they quit smoking. I agree that looking cool and chic is important but between health and looks, which is the “must-have” and which the “nice-to-have”? I would go for health. Just look at those folks who lost their health and you’ll know why I cherish health more.

In my humble opinion, weight gain isn’t a big deal compared to the health risks which are caused by the smoking habits. You can gain weight but you can lose weight too. There are so many ways to shed those unwanted pounds. Yes, losing weight could be as tough as trying to quit smoking, but if you can do one, you can achieve both.

Why do ex-smokers gain weight?

About half of the ex-smokers gain weight after they stopped smoking. There are 2 reasons: (more…)


 Stop Smoking during Pregnancy

 Filed under: Benefits To Quit, FAQ on Stop Smoking — admin @ Jan 18th, 2008

Unless you are really committed and have a strong will, you will not succeed in quitting smoking overnight. If you think stop smoking is tough, trying to quit smoking is even more challenging for mothers-to-be.

Why is stop smoking during pregnancy tough?
Mothers-to-be are experiencing lots of changes physically, mentally and emotionally and the thoughts that nicotine, tars and other harmful chemicals in the cigarettes will hurt the babies torment them further. Yet, the thought of going cold turkey frighten and irritate them more. Can you imagine having both withdrawal pains with morning sickness like nausea, tummy cramps, etc?

What’s the consequences of smoking during pregnancy?
I have discussed at my FAQs on Stop Smoking post that “The baby may be born underweight, premature or dead. It has a higher risk to develop lung infection and other diseases. Some will die in the first year. If the baby survives, it may suffer from certain physical and mental deficiencies as it receives less oxygen. The smoke inhaled by a pregnant woman, whether directly or passively, will reduce the amount of oxygen to the placenta.”

So, is it easier to quit smoking during pregnancy through smoking aids? (more…)


 You Can Quit Smoking When You Choose To.

 Filed under: FAQ on Stop Smoking — admin @ Jan 14th, 2008

How often did you tell yourself that “I can quit whenever I want,” or “I’m not addicted,” or “I can smoke just one”?

However, deep down, you know it’s a load of BS.

If you cannot even be honest with yourself, don’t even bother to start stop smoking. You will fail! You don’t have a clear intention to quit in the first place. You don’t even have an iota of commitment to make starting possible. You obviously do not have a plan on how to quit smoking painlessly.

Unless you are willing to look at yourself brutally and admit that you are indeed bound to cigarettes, you will always be enslaved. You will not get your freedom. Be honest with yourself, forgive yourself, then make a positive change.

These words of wisdom from Earl Cassel should help you to decide who you want to be: (more…)


 Nicotine-based Stop Smoking Aids are Bad?

 Filed under: FAQ on Stop Smoking — admin @ Jan 10th, 2008

When I said I believe in quit smoking painlessly, I’m not talking about using stop smoking aids. I prefer mind over body methodology any time, you can check out ebook if you like more information.

Why don’t I like stop smoking aids? Aren’t they supposed to make smoking painless and more bearable? Yes, they do make you feel less of the withdrawal discomfort. However, why are you feeding your brain and body with another poison when the existing poison is still hurting your health? I don’t believe in using a poison to kill another poison, no matter how small the dosage is. This is especially when there are hypnotherapy which is painless, harmless and effective. In case you are unaware, most stop smoking products that are available without a doctor’s prescription are themselves nicotine-based. And, you already know that nicotine is one of the most harmful chemicals in a cigarette. The gum, lozenges, sprays, inhalers, and even patches are all designed to allow a smoker to ease out nicotine addiction without suffering strongly from withdrawal. Stop smoking products will level out the nicotine cravings so that they are tolerable, and keep the body supplied with a small amount of nicotine while it detoxifies from the chemicals which have accumulated over years of smoking. Take heed that nicotine-based stop smoking aids should never be used in combination with cigarettes or with each other. Doing so can easily result in a nicotine overdose.

If you feel stop-smoking aids work for you, go ahead to do whatever is best for you. Just check with your doctor or pharmacist before you try them. A prescribed or recommended aid from a medical practitioner seems a better choice than advertisements.