Giving up smoking can be a challenge, and many people struggle with it even when using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). It is usually because they are in situations when they cannot use their NRT, and their cravings and urges can sometimes get the better of them. However, contrary to what many people think, you can combine NRTs to ensure your cravings never get the better of you, and there are many ways to do this. Below are some tips to helping you beat your urges and sticking to the path of living a smoke-free life.
Choosing Your Primary Nicotine Replacement Therapy
You will need to choose which NRT you will use as your primary, and that way, it is easier to select a secondary one you can use when your cravings are getting on top of you. Some of the various options from which you can choose includes:
- Nicotine Patches
- An Oral Nicotine Spray
- A Nasal Nicotine Spray
- Vaping
- Nicotine Lozenges
- Nicotine Gum
The most common NRTs to use as your primary are nicotine patches or vaping, but you can choose any that you think are most suitable for you. Once you decide which NRT to use as your primary, you will need to select the correct starting point and select an appropriate nicotine strength to control your cravings.
Choosing The Correct Nicotine Dose
With an NRT such as vaping, choosing an appropriate nicotine strength is simple, as there are so many options available. You can purchase high-quality e-liquid that contains anywhere from 0mg to 20mg of nicotine and lots of options in between. Most other NRTs also have options for the nicotine dose, but vaping is much more versatile, and you can even make vape juice yourself to get the flavour and strength you want.
Recognise The Warning Signs Of Wanting To Smoke
Once you have decided which NRT to use, you will need to recognise the signs of when it is not enough. It can be when you are under pressure and stress, which is when you would often reach for a cigarette. After eating is another time when many people have a craving, and you may find you struggle with using only your primary NRT.
Using A Secondary NRT
Whether using nicotine patches or vaping as your primary NRT, you will want to have a backup for when you are struggling to cope. With vaping, you are limited to where you can use it, and many places have banned smoking, including vaping in that ban. When you are in public places, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, you are not free to use a vaping device. However, you can use a spray or chew nicotine gum to help you get through the cravings and control your urges, or you can also select to use a nicotine lozenge. You will need to take a trial-and-error approach to find the correct balance for you, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Once you have found a balance, you will be in control of your nicotine addiction, rather than the nicotine controlling you.
