Using stop smoking products, sometimes known as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and nicotine-free medicines, isn’t cheating as some people may think. Your body has become dependent on nicotine, whether you realise it or not, and nicotine is an addictive substance. This means you’re likely to crave it at various points while you quit. The idea behind using stop smoking products is that you can gradually wean yourself off the nicotine dependency over a matter of weeks, giving you the highest chance of becoming smokefree.
What are nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs)?
NRTs are commonly used stop smoking products that offer your body low amounts of nicotine, without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Some common NRTs include lozenges, patches and gums. Some forms of NRT are slow-acting, like patches, slowly releasing nicotine into your body over time, while others are fast-acting, like sprays and gum, which act fast to combat cravings. Research shows that combining types can give you the greatest chance of successfully quitting.
Nicotine-free medicines
Nicotine-free medicines work by blocking the effect of nicotine on your brain. There are three main medications proven to help you quit, which we provide. They are:
- Varenicline – formerly available as Champix;
- Cytisine – a plant-based medicine that’s new to the UK but has been used for many years in some countries; and
- Bupropion (or Zyban) – works by changing chemicals in your brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Woah woah woah, I don’t want it.
Whether you’re unsure of the idea from the outset or whether you reach a point along the road to being smokefree and decide you no longer need it, we really encourage you to use stop smoking products as prescribed. These guidelines are in place to give you the greatest chance of success and make sure you quit smoking once and for all.
Okay so what’s best for me?
In your first appointment with one of our stop smoking mentors, you’ll be asked a variety of questions. These might cover things such as your triggers and your thoughts on certain stop smoking products. We usually provide stop smoking products in two forms that can be used alongside each other. We will give you a voucher, which you can show at a local pharmacy to collect them for free.
We offer the following forms of nicotine replacement therapy:
- Patches
- Gum
- Lozenges
- Nasal spray
- Mouthspray
- Inhalator
- Microtab
We offer the following forms of nicotine-free medicines:
- Varenicline
- Cytisine
- Zyban
Some may prove to be more effective than others, but your mentor will help you to find a combination that works best for you. If you want to change, you can mention it at your next session and discuss the options available.
Stop smoking aids are there to help you curb the withdrawals and with each day that passes without smoking you’ll be one step closer to reducing the dose and going smokefree all on your own.
