How do NRTs work?
NRTs work by allowing controlled amounts of nicotine to enter your blood stream. Even though tobacco products also contain a lot of other really harmful substances that are toxic and are even known to cause cancer, the nicotine in cigarettes is what makes them so addictive. If you use an NRT, the NRT will act as a substitute for the nicotine product you were addicted to (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chew, dip, etc.). If you use an NRT, it will help you by gradually reducing the amount of nicotine entering in your body. Basically, NRTs help you wean yourself off of your dependence on nicotine.
For example, if you’re using an NRT patch, what happens is that small amounts of nicotine will be absorbed from the patch into your skin. So while you’re not inhaling nicotine (and all the other chemicals) from a cigarette, or absorbing nicotine (and all other chemicals) through your lip (in the case of chew or dip), small amounts of nicotine are being absorbed into your body via the patch.
Or, if you’re using an NRT gum small amounts of nicotine go into your bloodstream while you chew the gum.
By absorbing small amounts of nicotine into your bloodstream, you begin to slowly wean yourself off of your dependence on nicotine.
So, basically NRTs work by gradually reducing your body's dependence on nicotine.
Members,
Please share your experiences with NRTs?
Ashley, Health Educator
