Anyone who wants to move away from smoking can barely escape all the advice online. One person tries hypnosis, another tests herbal cigarettes and tobacco substitute products. The wish is simple: finally move away from nicotine. Advertising promises that nicotine gum, nicotine spray, nicotine patches and similar products can speed up withdrawal. But can that really work? We take a closer look at the myth of nicotine patches.
Nicotine patches – what can they do?
What Is a Nicotine Patch?
A nicotine patch is exactly what it sounds like at first: a patch that contains nicotine. You stick it to your skin, ideally on your arm or shoulder. The nicotine is then absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream.
But why add nicotine to your body when you are trying to move away from smoking? The idea is to get your body used to nicotine withdrawal gradually. The amount of nicotine you absorb through the skin is lower than the amount in a cigarette. This is why it is called nicotine replacement therapy.
The patches also release nicotine continuously. That removes the so-called nicotine kick that comes with a cigarette. In theory, this works against the addictive pattern. Your body is not deprived of nicotine all at once; instead, a weaning effect is supposed to take place.
Nicotine patches are therefore marketed as a way to give up smoking. When you move away from smoking, your body will have withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement products such as nicotine patches promise to reduce these symptoms. For a short moment, that may be true. Still, for many people, nicotine patches do not solve the problem.
One study in the journal Tobacco Control even showed that the patch was not useful. Many participants still had cravings despite nicotine patches.
How to Use Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches come in two types, which differ in how long they are worn. If you smoke only a little, 16-hour patches may be enough. You simply wear them during the day. By the way: the sooner you need your daily cigarette after getting up, the stronger the dependence usually is. If you consider yourself a heavy smoker, 24-hour nicotine patches are the better choice.
Many people want to finally leave nicotine behind
Nicotine Patch Side Effects
Nicotine patches can also have side effects. These include skin reactions and irritation. If you already have a skin condition, you should not use nicotine patches. Headaches, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain can also occur, as can sleep problems and vivid dreams.
That raises the question: might it be better to get through the side effects of nicotine withdrawal instead? After all, your body is nicotine-free after around 72 hours. What then makes the habit difficult is no longer only the nicotine, but the act of smoking itself.
Alternative to Nicotine Patches
Nicotine replacement products such as nicotine patches are not always as useful as hoped and often ease withdrawal symptoms only briefly. They do not provide long-term protection against relapse. On top of that, it is not only nicotine that makes stopping smoking difficult. What you actually miss is the act of smoking itself.
This is where tobacco substitute products can fit the ritual side of the change, because you do not have to give up the smoking ritual itself. You simply leave nicotine behind. Take a look in the Real Leaf Shop and switch from nicotine patches to tobacco substitute. Our 14-day plan with herbal cigarettes can also accompany your move away from nicotine. Good luck!
