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 Smoking Cessation
If you are a smoker experiencing difficulty quitting, you're not alone. Last year, 20 million Americans attempted to quit smoking with failure rates reported in the 90% range. The exact number varies with the smoking cessation method attempted. Let's take a look at some of the methods available and a few pros and cons of each. First, I will mention a brand new product known as the e-cigarette. The e-cig is a battery operated, refilable NRT device. They function much like the prescription Nicotrol inhaler. These devices are relatively new to the stop smoking market and have yet to be approved by the FDA. The cost of electronic cigarettes ranges from $30 to $150. Success rate at this point are unknown. Cold Turkey is probably the least effective smoking cessation method with success rates around 4%-7%. When quitting cold turkey, you body is literally thrown into a state of instant nicotine withdrawal. You will experiance what most quitters call "very uncomfortable" side effects. The list of withdrawal symptoms is quite long but most often noted are dizziness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and irritability. These withdrawal symptoms are so excruciatingly painful that most people start smoking again within the first few days creating the ultra-high failure rate. NRT, or nicotine replacement therapy, has been seen success rates in the 30% range after the first year with the success rate dropping after the initial 12 months. There are many types of nicotine replacement but they are all designed to provide your body with nicotine to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Most NRT therapies are designed so you can slowly taper your daily dose of nicotine down low enough so that cold turkey withdrawal becomes tolerable. The most common forms of NRT are chewing gum and patches: -With nicotine gum, you chew a piece when you need your nicotine fix and stop chewing after just a few seconds. Many users like the gum because the nicotine is delivered immediately to the bloodstream and you feel the buzz right away. Nicotine gum costs about $40 monthly -The nicotine patch is a small band-aid like adhesive patch that varies in size depending on its strength. You attach it to your skin just like a bandage and leave it on according to your physician or pharmacists instructions (usually 1 patch daily). Users like the patch as it is a set it and forget it type of product. Nicotine patches cost between $15 and $35 monthly. One final note; it is important that before you begin any smoking cessation program you consult your physician. Related Articles Quitting Smoking FDA VS E-Cig |
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