Carry On Nicotine: A Guide to Quitting Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 people each year.

If you're ready to quit smoking, there are a number of resources available to help you. One option is to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT is a medication that delivers nicotine to your body without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.

NRT can be used in a variety of forms, including patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays. Each form of NRT has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.

How Does NRT Work?

NRT works by replacing the nicotine that you would normally get from cigarettes. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit smoking.

NRT is not a magic bullet, but it can be a helpful tool for people who are trying to quit smoking. In fact, a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that people who used NRT were more likely to quit smoking than people who tried to quit on their own.

Types of NRT

There are a number of different types of NRT available, including:

• Patches: Patches are thin, adhesive squares that are applied to the skin. They deliver nicotine to the bloodstream over a period of 24 hours.
• Gum: Gum is a chewable form of NRT that delivers nicotine to the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth.
• Lozenges: Lozenges are small, hard candies that are dissolved in the mouth. They deliver nicotine to the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth.
• Inhalers: Inhalers are devices that deliver nicotine to the lungs. They are similar to cigarettes, but they do not contain any tobacco.
• Nasal sprays: Nasal sprays are devices that deliver nicotine to the nose. They are similar to nasal decongestants, but they contain nicotine instead of decongestants.

Which Type of NRT Is Right for Me?

The type of NRT that is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're not sure which type of NRT to use, talk to your doctor.

How to Use NRT

NRT is available over-the-counter, but it's important to talk to your doctor before using it. Your doctor can help you determine which type of NRT is right for you and how to use it correctly.

Once you've started using NRT, it's important to follow the directions carefully. Do not use more NRT than your doctor has prescribed.

Side Effects of NRT

NRT can cause side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Skin irritation

These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days. However, if you experience any severe side effects, stop using NRT and talk to your doctor.

Benefits of Using NRT

NRT can help you to quit smoking by:

• Reducing cravings
• Relieving withdrawal symptoms
• Making it easier to resist the urge to smoke

NRT is a safe and effective way to quit smoking. If you're ready to quit, talk to your doctor about whether NRT is right for you.

Success Stories

Here are a few success stories from people who have used NRT to quit smoking:

• "I smoked for 20 years, and I tried to quit many times on my own," said one woman. "But I always ended up starting again. Then I tried NRT, and it finally worked. I've been smoke-free for over a year now."
• "I was a pack-a-day smoker for 15 years," said another woman. "I tried to quit cold turkey, but I couldn't do it. Then I started using NRT, and it made a huge difference. I've been smoke-free for six months now."
• "I smoked for 10 years, and I never thought I would be able to quit," said one man. "But I started using NRT, and it helped me to quit. I've been smoke-free for two years now, and I feel great."

Tips for Using NRT

Here are a few tips for using NRT successfully:

• Start using NRT on the day you quit smoking.
• Use NRT for the full course of treatment, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not use more NRT than your doctor has prescribed.
• If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor.
• Be patient. It takes time to quit smoking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using NRT:

• Do not start using NRT before you quit smoking. This will only make it harder to quit.
• Do not use NRT for longer than your doctor has prescribed. This can lead to side effects.
• Do not use more NRT than your doctor has prescribed. This can lead to side effects.
• Do not smoke while using NRT. This will only make it harder to quit.

Why NRT Matters

NRT is a safe and effective way to quit smoking. If you're ready to quit, talk to your doctor about whether NRT is right for you.

NRT can help you to:

• Reduce cravings
• Relieve withdrawal symptoms
• Make it easier to resist the urge to smoke

NRT is a proven way to quit smoking. If you're ready to quit, talk to your doctor about NRT.

How NRT Benefits

NRT benefits smokers by:

• Reducing cravings
• Relieving withdrawal symptoms
• Making it easier to resist the urge to smoke

NRT is a safe and effective way to quit smoking. If you're ready to quit, talk to your doctor about NRT.

Advanced Features

NRT is available in a variety of forms, including:

• Patches
• Gum
• Lozenges
• Inhalers
• Nasal sprays

Each form of NRT has its own advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about which form of NRT is right for you.

Potential Drawbacks

NRT can cause side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Skin irritation

These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days. However, if you experience any severe side effects, stop using NRT and talk to your doctor.

Call to Action

If you're ready to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about NRT. NRT is a safe and effective way to quit smoking.

Appendix

Table 1: Types of NRT

Table 2: Benefits of NRT

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using NRT