Sponsored Feature On Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Potential Approach To Curb Cravings; Here's How You Can Finally Quit

Quitting smoking can be one of the hardest things to do. Fighting the constant urge to smoke can be extremely difficult not only emotionally but physically too. However, deciding that you are ready to quit is the first step towards a tobacco-free life. According to the World Health Organisation, tobacco use takes about 8 million lives every year across the globe. So this World No Tobacco day, take a pledge to quit smoking! We spoke to Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Head of Pulmonology Department at Fortis to understand how Nicotine Replacement Therapy and other strategies can help a person quit.

Smoking is slow poison and many fail to understand this at the right time. By the time you realise how much harm it has caused, the situation can be quite bad. It is important to quit smoking as it affects almost every part of the human body.  Smoking is deleterious to one's health and has an impact on mortality rate too. Quitting smoking can increase your lifespan as well as improve the quality of life, Dr. Gupta explains.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapies are designed to help smokers quit tobacco. It includes several options like nicotine gums, patches, lozenges etc. These products supply low doses of nicotine but are free of toxins found in a cigarette. When trying to quit smoking, the toughest part is to fight the urge to smoke again. NRT helps you overcome these cravings making it easier to quit.  WHO recommends that smokers take immediate steps to quit by using proven methods such as toll-free quit lines, mobile text-messaging programmes, and nicotine replacement therapies. 

Dr. Gupta further elaborates on how NRT can be helpful and explains,

When trying to quit, initially you will experience strong cravings, which can make you grab those cigarettes again. NRT can temporarily help in controlling cravings. It can thus support your willpower and help  curb initial cravings which can then ultimately help you quit smoking. The goal of therapy is to cut down on cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can also begin when trying to quit. Intense craving, sweating, nausea, anxiety, irritability, and headache are a few symptoms. NRT may also help eliminate these withdrawal symptoms. Doctors often recommend it and studies show it's safe and effective. In fact, NRT is scientifically proven to double your chances of quitting smoking.

Many try to quit smoking, but they relapse quite easily, says Dr. Gupta.

To quit smoking, constant motivation plays an important role. One needs to understand the harmful effects of smoking and how important it is to quit. Being aware from an early stage can help prevent the risk of stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and lung disease. If you find it too hard to quit, you must seek medical help which will cover various aspects including counselling sessions, lab investigations, medication and telecommunication to provide the right motivation when required. 

Friends and family play an important role in helping a loved one quit. So, ask for help! Talking to someone when experiencing cravings might help as it will distract your mind along with emotional support. Quitting takes time. You have to be very careful in  avoiding triggers and situational reflexes. You have to constantly remind yourself not to smoke, to curb those cravings and stay distracted. Remember, its never too late to quit and it is possible!

Disclaimer:

This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
 

The information and the contents are for information and reference only. Cipla or the authors of the articles do not promote, use or endorse any product or encourage use of specific drugs in any way. Neither Cipla or the author are responsible for claims or action arising from use of the information. Viewers should consult their doctor to determine the right way to use NRT for their health.​