A little while back, an article we posted on the “Top 10 Best Tips To Help You Quit Smoking In An Easy Way” discussed the negative impact of smoking on health, as well as some ideas for how to kick the habit. Those ideas included methods like avoiding your “triggers,” drinking more water, and even taking up habits like meditation and regular exercise –– all of which can be effective in their own ways. In addition to these methods though, there are also alternative nicotine products that can help people who are struggling to quit ease away from cigarettes.
Why nicotine specifically? Well, the other option when it comes to products that can help people to wean themselves off of smoking while still satisfying cravings is smokeless tobacco. This too can be a bridge to quitting in some cases. However, chewing tobacco brands like Skoal have developed a bad reputation for everything from health consequences to the disruption of social groups; chewing is noticeable, the aroma can be harsh, and the spitting, quite frankly, is off-putting. Alternative nicotine products, meanwhile, can give smokers the hit of nicotine they want without some of these ill effects.
But what are these alternative nicotine products? Basically, there are four main options.
- Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches were approved by the FDA way back in 1991, and have been a popular alternative source of nicotine ever since. The patches work by being placed on clean, dry skin, usually on the upper chest, upper arm, shoulder, back, or inner arm –– most of which make them easy to hide. Once they stick to the skin, these patches release a steady, controlled dosage of nicotine, usually over a period of 24 hours. As Insider points out in an article on the subject, because the dosage of nicotine is controlled, the patches effectively reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and, in the best of circumstances, help users to taper off.
- Nicotine Gum
First introduced in the U.S. in 1984, nicotine gum has been the long-standing competitor for patches. Many people enjoy using nicotine gum because it has similar benefits to patches, plus the added “activity” of chewing the gum –– which can help smokers who miss the fidgety aspect of active smoking. On top of these perks, some have also turned to gum over the years because it comes in some of the same enjoyable flavors we’re used to in ordinary chewing gum –– meaning that beyond replacing habits, it can actually be pleasant to use.
- Nicotine Pouches
Pouches are the newer alternatives to patches and gum. They are small products user stick up under their upper lips, which then release nicotine in a controlled dose over time. These have become popular largely because they combine the perks of patches (they’re very discreet) and gum (they give your mouth something to do). They also come in a wider range of flavors than we typically see in nicotine gum, and are even available in assortments. The mixpacks from leading brands on Prilla shows that can actually help new users to try a variety of flavors including mint, chocolate, cinnamon, citrus, and more. In part because of options like these, pouches have caught on quickly and look to be the favored option among younger would-be smokers in particular.
- Nicotine Lozenges
Ordinary hard candies are recommended for those trying to stop smoking in some cases, and nicotine lozenges basically work the same way –– but with small nicotine hits included as well to manage cravings more directly. These look just like little candies, and the only thing a person needs to do is take one out and put it in the mouth, between the gums and cheek. Once they are in place, they begin to slowly dissolve while releasing nicotine. Like pouch packets, lozenges are small, so they can fit conveniently fit in a pocket or bag.
Trying to quit smoking is a challenge, and that is why there are so many useful alternatives on the market. From patches and gum to pouches and lozenges, there are a number of products out there that can help you to address nicotine cravings even as you gradually stop using cigarettes. From there, quitting can –– slowly but surely –– get easier.
