Nicotine Patch

Many smokers use a nicotine patch to help them to quit smoking. Their objective is to overcome the withdrawal symptoms and irresistible cravings that render so many smokers into recidivists, or re-offenders! However, there is a downside, and that is that eventually you have to take them off, and get on without them.

What exactly is the psychology of using a sticky patch on your arm that provides a steady supply of nicotine into your bloodstream? Normally when you smoke, you have a cigarette, and then can do without until the effect wears off, then you find that you need another. The theory behind patches is that you have a continual trickle into your bloodstream that stops you from having that occasional craving for a cigarette, you lose your desire for the nicotine rush because you have a continuous supply.

You will normally start with a high nicotine content patch, to take the edge off your initial urge to have a cigarette. At this stage your major problem will be to overcome the habit of having something in your fingers, and also the ritual of lighting up at specific times, such as after a meal. In fact, one of the major reasons people start smoking in the first place is the habit and ritual, rather than the need for nicotine or tars.

The patches gradually reduce in strength until after about eight weeks; you can come off them altogether. They tend to work best with people that can find an alternative to the habits and rituals associated with smoking, since they are quite effective in overcoming the actual need for nicotine. After all, you are getting a steady supply.

You can apply the patches to your back, shoulders or arms, or any other area that is clean and relatively hairless. If you have a naturally hairy body, then shave off a clean area for your patch. They should be worn all day and work best if you change the placement daily.

Patches might not be suitable for everybody, and it is possible that a nicotine patch could slow the growth of a developing fetus during pregnancy, through its effect on the mother's blood. Although this can lead to low birth weights, there is a far greater risk if the mother actually smokes cigarettes. The fetus is exposed to much greater concentrations of blood nicotine and carbon monoxide than from the small amount of nicotine through patches. It is better for a pregnant woman to stop smoking completely, and cease all contact with nicotine.

There is a health concern is that nicotine causes high blood pressure and increased heart rates. Patches will not help this, and if you have heart problems then you would be unwise to come into contact with nicotine in any form. You must always seek professional medical advice if you have a heart or high blood pressure problem before deciding to use nicotine patches.

Although nicotine patches offer many advantages to the smoker who would otherwise find it impossible to quit smoking, there are some possible side effects. Let's look at both: the advantages and disadvantages.

The following a list of advantages to the patch:

• Discretion - nobody but you knows that you are wearing them. You can hide where nobody can see.
• You to control the strength of the nicotine supply. Instead of getting a quick rush that will lead to additional cravings, you'll get a steady supply that will keep your brain happy.
• You can gradually reduce the dose as your brain gets use to it.

The following are a few disadvantages:

• The plaster can cause an allergic reaction. If this happens you might need an antihistamine cream or change their location to a less sensitive part of your body.
• The effectiveness becomes much reduced after about 8 weeks. If you haven't lost the urge by then, you will likely start smoking again.
• They don't work for everybody. Don't blame yourself if this happens to you: there are other ways of stopping.

A nicotine patch is a good way to try to quit smoking as long as you understand how they work and what their limitations are. Overall they are better for you than smoking and that in itself is a great reason for using them.

I recommend using Hocks.com for all your nicotine replacement needs. Since 1997 they have helped millions stop smoking and you could be next. They offer a wide variety of non-prescription drugs including Nicorette patches and gum. With over 4,000 items available and competitive prices, you can't go wrong. Be sure to quit smoking now with Hocks.com