Keep It Simple

Nicotine Replacement Therapies

1. Patches

What are they?

A small patch which is placed on the skin.  This releases nicotine into your body at steady rate, keeping your body ‘topped up ‘  with nicotine.  The amount would be less then if you smoked a cigarette but should be sufficient to stop the nicotine cravings.  They can be worn for 24 hours or 16 hours and they come in a variety of strengths.  It is suggested that you reduce the strengths of the patch as you wean yourself off the nicotine.

Are there any Side Effects?

• They can cause vivid dreams and nightmares for some people when worn at night.  The 16 hour patch stops this side effect.  Some swelling around the patch and a rash can occur.
• It is essential you do not smoke whilst taking these types of therapy as you may overdose on nicotine.  This would cause headaches, nausea, confusion and vomiting.  If you think you may have overdosed call your doctor straight away.

How effective is a Nicotine Patch?

There have been doubts expressed over how effective a nicotine patch is

with estimates that is substantially lower than often prescribed by the drug companies.  These companies all too often claim it will double your chance of success

2. Gums

What are they?

Chewing gum that contains nicotine.  The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth whilst chewing the gum.

Are there any Side Effects?

• During the initial use some people experience mouth sores, headaches, indigestion and jaw muscle aches
• If the gum is chewed too fast it may result in to much nicotine being released into the body.  Effects of this include lightheadedness, dizziness, hiccups, nausea, vomiting and insomnia.
• Allergic reaction.  This is rare but includes a rash, dizziness, trouble breathing and swelling.  It is essential to contact a doctor immediately if you suffer any of these side effects

How effective is the Gum?

Stop smoking gums have helped a number of people quit smoking but it is suggested that the highest rate of success for this technique comes when used in conjunction with other behavioural therapies.

3. Cold Turkey

What is this?

‘Cold Turkey’ to stop smoking means you give up smoking on your own with no help from stop smoking aids.  It is purely down to will power and your own self control.  You will set a date and from that day onwards not smoke again.

Are there any Side Effects?

There are no side effects of stopping by this method, just the normal nicotine cravings you get when you stop smoking.  It has the advantage of being a very safe method as a result.

How effective is this Method?

Although one of the most popular methods used it does not have the best success rate.  Out of 100 people who attempt to give up smoking through the cold turkey method only 5 – 10% will still be free of the habit in a years time.

4. Hypnotherapy

What is this?

The smoker is put into a deeply relaxed state in both their body and their mind.  They are still completely in control and aware of their surroundings but the barriers put up by a normal conscious mind disappear.  The subconscious mind is then open to suggestions and affirmations which break the desire to smoke and redirect their actions into positive behaviours.

Are there any Side Effects?

There have been no side effects that have been reported, indeed many people who use hypnotherapy for treatment report that it is a relaxing and enjoyable process.

How effective is this Method?

Results vary with practitioner but overall studies have indicated that this is one of the most effective ways to give up smoking.  A study involving over 71,000 smokers and 15 different methods of  stopping smoking by the University of Iowa (1990) showed the success rate of hypnosis to stop smoking was as high as 60%.