Nicotine patch
Almost every smoker dreams of getting rid of this addiction forever. But, unfortunately, quitting smoking is quite difficult. Very often people underestimate the power of nicotine. Starting to smoke, they think that they can quit at any time, but over time they begin to understand that each inhalation of cigarettes draws them deeper into the abyss of nicotine bondage. The strongest people try to cope with nicotine addiction on their own, but it is not so easy. Then various means come to the rescue: pills for smoking, cigarettes without nicotine, nicotine patches.
Why does smoking form such a strong addiction and is it really possible to quit smoking at all?
The principle of the formation of nicotine addiction
Any addiction is based on the same principle. All substances that cause addiction in humans have psychoactive properties. Take nicotine, for example. The first few minutes after smoking a cigarette, a person's mood rises, he feels a surge of vivacity and strength. At first, a person smokes with the sole purpose of re-experiencing these pleasant emotions. However, soon this effect of nicotine on the body ceases. When a person realizes this, he tries to give up cigarettes, but very quickly realizes that he is not able to do this. He is already involved in this process and without a cigarette feels inferior. This means that the first degree of addiction to nicotine - psychological - has come.
The person continues to smoke, but after a certain time makes another attempt to quit smoking. However, after spending some time without cigarettes, the smoker discovers that the lack of nicotine gives him not only psychological discomfort, but also a real physical ailment. The person begins to experience withdrawal symptoms, the symptoms of which include:
- tremors of the hands and chin;
- nausea, and sometimes even vomiting;
- fatigue and feeling of weakness;
- neurological disorders such as increased irritability or sleep disturbance.
Moreover, all ailments can be easily eliminated with just one smoked cigarette. It goes without saying that in such a situation, giving up cigarettes only with the use of willpower is quite problematic.
If a smoker begins to experience withdrawal symptoms as a result of quitting smoking, then the next stage of nicotine addiction has begun - physical.
Most smokers prefer to deceive themselves by assuring that nicotine is harmless to the body. But in fact, very soon nicotine becomes an integral element of all processes in the body. If the smoker's body is used to receiving a certain dose of nicotine every day, then not receiving it, he begins to experience severe discomfort. But at the same time, every day receiving a certain dose of nicotine, the smoker methodically kills himself, filling his body with harmful and toxic substances. It turns out a kind of vicious circle. In recent years, many complementary methods have been developed to facilitate smoking cessation. Nicotine patch is considered one of the most effective.
The mechanism of action of the nicotine patch
The mechanism of action of a nicotine patch is quite simple. Each patch contains a certain dose of nicotine, which penetrates through the pores of the skin into the smoker's body, helping him to cope with withdrawal syndrome. According to reviews, the nicotine patch helps to cope not only with physiological addiction, but also with psychological, but only if a person really strives to get rid of this bad habit.
The patch is glued to a specific area of the body for the period specified in the instructions. Every day, the patch must be glued to different parts of the body. On average, it is glued on for a period of 10-15 hours, and during this time the nicotine patch gives the body about as much nicotine as is contained in one pack of cigarettes. Moreover, if a smoker lights a cigarette, he may feel sick and dizzy due to an overdose of nicotine.
According to reviews, the duration of treatment with a nicotine patch is 3-4 months. Moreover, treatment begins with the use of patches containing large doses of nicotine, gradually changing to patches with a lower dosage.
After nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream, it remains in the body for about six hours. Nicotine is excreted in urine, feces and air. Since the nicotine contained in the nicotine patch is practically not associated with blood plasma proteins, it does not have such a negative effect on the body as nicotine obtained through a smoked cigarette.
According to reviews, a nicotine patch can act for sixteen hours, after which its effect becomes weaker. This is done on purpose, since a person does not need another dose of nicotine while sleeping.
The price of nicotine patches
A huge positive point is the rather low price of a nicotine patch. Plasters can be purchased at almost any pharmacy, and their average cost is about 1,000 rubles.
So, for example, the price of Nicorette nicotine patches is 750 rubles per pack of 7 pieces, and in order to completely get rid of the bad habit, you will have to spend about 7 packs, that is, spend about 5000 rubles. Smokers will spend this amount on cigarettes in 2-3 months.
Indications for the use of nicotine patch
Judging by the numerous favorable reviews of the nicotine patch, it will be very useful if the smoker wants to get rid of nicotine addiction. You can also use a patch if a person is simply trying to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
Contraindications
Do not forget that, despite the many positive aspects, the nicotine patch has a number of contraindications. These include:
- individual intolerance to certain components that make up the patch;
- breast-feeding.
In some cases, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before using the patch. This is especially true for people suffering from peptic ulcer, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular system.
It also does not hurt to consult a gynecologist before using a nicotine patch during pregnancy. But, undoubtedly, it is worth noting the fact that the patch does much less harm during pregnancy than cigarettes.
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