Smoking is the number one cause of preventable deaths in the United States. One in every five deaths can be directly linked to cigarettes. That is why it’s so important to kick this nasty habit as soon as possible. Because of this, many people have turned to “the patch” to help them stop smoking. This is just one form of nicotine replacement therapy that has help millions of people quit smoking for good. It’s one of the easiest treatments use. You just put it on every morning and forget about it. Let’s take a closer look exactly how to use the patch.

How it works

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. This keeps you away cancer causing smoke and tar found in tobacco smoke.

How to use the nicotine patch

Below are a few guidelines that should be kept in mind when using the patch:

• It should be worn on your back, chest or upper arm; as long as it’s clean and relatively hairless.
• If you have a naturally hairy body, then shave off a clean area for your patch
• A new one should be used ever 16 to 24 hours and placed in a different part of your body
• If you have trouble sleeping, it can be removed when you go to bed
• It can be worn while you shower or swim

Although nicotine patches offer many advantages to the smoker who would otherwise find it impossible to quit smoking, there are some possible side effects.

The pros & cons (side effects)

The following a list of advantages to the patch:

• Discretion - nobody but you knows that you are wearing it. You can hide it so no one can see.
• You 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 in the form of a rash. If this happens you might need an antihistamine cream or change the 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 to quit.

· It’s possible that it could slow the growth of a developing fetus during pregnancy, through its effect on the mother’s blood. It’s important to note that smoking poses a far greater risk to the unborn child and should be avoided if you are pregnant.

· High blood pressure - nicotine causes both high blood pressure and increased heart rates. Therefore any nicotine replacement therapy is not advised for someone with heart problems. If you fall into this category, you should consult your doctor before starting any treatment.

Conclusion

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 repeat offenders! While it’s not for everyone, most people have found it to be the best treatment on the market today. You should give it a try, you’ll be glad you did.

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