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Your guide to quitting ? What are Quit Aids?

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 86

Hi All -

I have been smoke-free for 3 days with the use of Nicotine Gum (4mg). It is allowing me to break the habits and strengthen mentally. I plan to cut down to the (2mg) after this box...And, hopefully be off the gum in a couple of weeks.

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 711

Hi Ironman, congratulations, you have done a really good job and Jim's advice is really good.

You will probably get craves that have to be dealt with. Remember that they only last a maximum of three minutes and most people will get about 6 a day for the first few days of stopping the nicotine delivery. Think of them in a positive manner! they are a sign that the brain is being re-wired into coping without nicotine. Every one that passes is another one that is weakened and that will eventually die.

Keep going buddy!

Brent

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 15

Thanks Jim, really very helpful. I will test myself and I will develop a plan for this too. No reason to take a risk. The deamon is strong and clever but I am stronger and more clever:)

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2778

Hey Ironman!!!

Great job so far, buddy! I think that the medical community suggests weaning, like with using the patch. Then again, we've had fellow quit buddies who have said enough is enough and have just dropped the NRT cold turkey after a short period of time. I know that it is different with every one. I took Chantix and that medically approved program is a 3 - 6 month program. I started weaning off of that drug on week 4 and still had a couple of pills left when I decided that I no longer needed it! By that time I was totally committed to my quit and knew that I could live by NOPE!

I don't think that anyone can tell you or will try to tell you what the "right" thing to do is... you're going to have to figure this one out. How strong do you feel? How committed are you to NEVER smoking again? Do you think that there is a chance you will cave if you don't have a piece of gum handy in an emergency stress situation? Is there no way in hell that you will ever pick up and light another cigarette? My answer to that last question was no way...absolutely no way. When you can say that to yourself, you "might" be ready!

Try abstaining for a few hours, a half day, or a full day. Access your situation. Keep the gum handy just in case. Search the site here for more information from those who have gone before you! Prepare and learn. There are no absolute rules here, except for this one... do what ever it takes to protect your quit! You'll know when you are ready.

Jim

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11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 15

Hi Vincenza,

I am using Nicotine chewing gum (2mg). I take about 12 a day for the last 9 days that I have stayed smoke free. it has helped me a lot with cravings which have been quite mild compared to previous attempts. Now I feel quite confident that I am braking the habit, the associations with the various triggers and smoking. When should I really attempt to stop the NRT? and what is the best advisable manner? Reduce or go off once and for all?

11 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1853

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,

What are your experiences with NRTs ?

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Your guide to quitting ? What are Quit Aids?