How do nicotine replacement products help?
Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco products. NRT provides nicotine in a safe form so the body doesn’t have to endure nicotine withdrawal while a person adapts to not smoking. Trying to learn skills to help in quitting smoking while dealing with nicotine withdrawal makes it harder to successfully quit. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include irritability, difficulty concentrating, feelings of depression, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite cravings and headache. These symptoms often start just a few hours after the last cigarette. The first 72 hours of quitting are the hardest, but symptoms may persist for weeks. Smokers have learned that a cigarette will relieve these symptoms in a few moments. But taking nicotine in another form can suppress withdrawal. NRT products only provide nicotine. They contain none of the carcinogens or toxic gases found in cigarette smoke. How do I use NRT? • Follow the advice of a general practitioner, nurse or pharmacist. • Decide which type of
