Is it hard to quit smoking? Let's learn about the NRT method? (Nicotine Replacement Therapy - NRT)

Are you used to trying to quit smoking, but after a day or two, you'll find yourself back where you started? It's not as easy as you think. Many people give up on their attempts to quit smoking because of the physical discomfort and mental stress they feel when trying to break free from their addiction to cigarettes. But don't worry, you don't have to go through this journey alone. There are medical methods that can help you. Today, we're going to talk about one such method.

Simply put, what is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a treatment used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms after you stop smoking. It involves using other products that contain nicotine (such as chewing gum or patches) in very low doses.

Think about it, a cigarette doesn't just contain nicotine. There are thousands of other harmful and toxic chemicals, such as carcinogens, that enter our bodies with that smoke. NRT products only contain a controlled, low amount of nicotine. They don't contain those dangerous toxins. Therefore, they help you gradually get rid of nicotine addiction without the harm of cigarettes.

Who is this NRT treatment most suitable for?

NRT is recommended for people who are severely addicted to cigarettes (severe nicotine dependence) and want to quit. Nicotine is a stimulant found in tobacco. When you smoke cigarettes for a long time, your body and brain become accustomed to the nicotine levels. Then you can't live without nicotine. This is what we call addiction.

These symptoms will help you determine if you have a severe addiction to cigarettes.

NRT is generally safe for adults. However, it is not suitable for pregnant women and young children. Also, if you have any liver or kidney disease, using NRT can be risky. Therefore, it is very important to talk to your doctor before starting this treatment and get advice on whether it is right for you.

Types of NRT products and how to use them

There are several types of products that fall under the NRT system. Some can be purchased without a doctor's prescription, while others require a prescription.

The main types are:

• Nicotine Gum
• Nicotine Lozenges
• Nicotine Skin Patches
• Nicotine Inhalers
• Nicotine Nasal Sprays

There are several very important points when using these.

• Doctors recommend starting NRT two weeks before quitting smoking, or the same day you quit.
• The starting dose of NRT is determined by the number of cigarettes you smoked the previous day.
• You should gradually reduce the amount of nicotine you use over time.
• Keep these products out of the reach of small children and pets, as even small amounts can cause severe nicotine poisoning.

Now let's see how to use each of these types.

Nicotine Gum

You can buy this over-the-counter from pharmacies. It is chewed like regular chewing gum, releasing nicotine. When you feel a stinging sensation in your mouth, you should hold the chewing gum between your cheek and gums for about 30 minutes.

• This should be used at least 15 minutes after drinking beverages like coffee, tea, and acidic drinks like oranges.
• For the first 6 weeks, you can use one every two hours when you feel the urge to smoke. After that, you should gradually reduce the frequency of use.
• Do not use more than one at a time. Plan to stop using it completely after about 12 weeks.

Nicotine Lozenges

This can also be taken without a mouthpiece. It's like a sore throat lozenge. When you put it in your mouth and hold it between your cheek and gums, the nicotine is released as it dissolves.

• For the first 6 weeks, you should use one every two hours, and then reduce the amount you use over time.
• It's not good to use more than one at a time.

Nicotine Patches

This can also be taken without a patch. It's like a patch. You apply it to a clean, dry, hairless area of ​​your body in the morning (e.g., shoulder, upper chest, upper arm). Then, you'll be absorbing small amounts of nicotine throughout the day.

• The strength of the patch that is right for you is determined by the number of cigarettes you smoke per day.
• Typically, one patch can be left on for 16 to 24 hours. You don't need to take it off, even when bathing.
• Don't stick it in the same place every day, change the place.

Nicotine Inhalers

To use this, you definitely need a doctor's prescription. It has a cartridge that contains nicotine. When you inhale from it, the nicotine is sucked into the back of your throat.

• Most importantly, this is not an electronic cigarette (e-cigarettes or vaping). The NRT inhaler is a medically approved, safe treatment method.
• This is not a good time to take deep breaths. You should take short, shallow breaths.
• Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or during use.

Nicotine Nasal Sprays

This also requires a prescription from a doctor. This is a nasal spray. When sprayed into both nostrils, the nicotine enters the body within 5-10 minutes and quickly reduces cigarette cravings.

• This is often prescribed to those with severe addictions. Because it works quickly, it also has a high chance of becoming addictive.
• You should use the exact dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the maximum number of times you can use it per day.
• It is generally not recommended to use this for more than 3 months.

Can two types of NRT products be used together?

Yes, sometimes doctors recommend that. This can improve the results. It's called combination therapy.

Simply put, it involves using a long-acting product (like a nicotine patch) that works throughout the day, and a short-acting product (like a chewing gum or spray) that is used only when the urge to smoke suddenly arises.

For example:

• A nicotine patch and a nicotine chewing gum
• A nicotine inhaler with a nicotine patch

Benefits and possible side effects of NRT

The main advantage of using NRT is that it increases the likelihood of success in quitting smoking by 50% to 70%. This means that it provides significant help.

And like all medications, NRT products can cause side effects in some people, so it's best to be aware of them before using them.

Nicotine Poisoning - Be especially careful about this!

This is a very dangerous situation. Using too much NRT products, or smoking while using NRT, can cause nicotine levels in the body to rise dangerously high. This is called nicotine poisoning or overdose. This can happen, especially if a small child eats a small piece of this product.

If you or a child develops the following symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

What if the NRT method doesn't work for me?

Quitting smoking is not something that can be done in one go. Many people have to try several times. If you don't get the results you were hoping for with NRT, it's not the end of the world. Don't worry. Talk to your doctor again. He or she may be able to recommend a different NRT product, a different dosage, or a completely different treatment regimen.

In addition to NRT, there are also non-nicotine pills (e.g. varenicline, bupropion) that can help you quit smoking. Your doctor may recommend that you take one of these along with an NRT.

Also, as we mentioned earlier, it is very important to get rid of mental addiction as well as physical addiction. Counseling programs (smoking cessation programs) can help a lot with that. Ask your doctor about that too. The most important thing is not to give up.

Cigarette smoking cessation, nicotine replacement therapy, NRT, smoking, nicotine addiction, NRT side effects, nicotine poisoning