As you all know, anything in excess is harmful, be it smoking, drinking or eating. Every addiction has its consequences. Nevertheless, smoking addiction could lead to severe health issues in the future. Therefore, nicotine prescriptions from smoke-free clinics are being issued to help people overcome their smoking addiction and eventually quit smoking.
Recently, in Australia, it has been established that smokers and vapers will require a valid Australian medical prescription to buy nicotine products.
The Australian prescription model does not take a light-touch approach. They do not embrace nicotine vaping as a tobacco addiction reduction tool, unlike most developed nations.
Signs that you are addicted to nicotine:
- Can’t stop smoking – Despite several attempts to quit or stop smoking, you failed to get rid of it completely.
- Withdrawal symptoms – Your attempts to quit have led to physical and mood-related problems. The symptoms could be cravings, anxiety, stress, restlessness, irritability, frustration, anger, depression, insomnia, increased hunger and constipation.
- Continued smoking despite health issues – Even though you have problems related to your heart or lungs, you continue smoking.
- Socially distant – You may avoid social gatherings or smoke-free zones as you are constantly defeated by your smoking addiction, regardless of the situation.
Available help to quit smoking
There are several ways in which you could get rid of your addiction and quit smoking. Nicotine prescriptions from smoke-free clinics have helped addicts and have led to a decline in daily smoking drug rehab new jersey proportions.
Here are a few prescriptions that could aid in the discontinuation process:
- Nicotine vaping products – e-cigarettes that are medically prescribed to help quit smoking are often called inhaled nicotine frequency therapy (INRT). MVPs mimic the hand to mouth experience of smoking without putting the recovering addict at risk. No harmful chemicals are present in these vaping products, unlike tobacco combustions.
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – Nicotine replacement therapy patches are available in various products like lozenges, gums, inhalers or mouth sprays. This medication provides your body with nicotine in regulated doses and also lowers the physical withdrawal symptoms.
- Pharmacotherapy – This medication option is specifically designed to reduce your nicotine satisfaction by directly influencing your brain chemistry.
- Varenicline – Also known as Chantix. This drug was developed to help people overcome their nicotine addiction. It works by interfering with the receptors in the brain. The medication lessens the pleasure received by smoking and reduces the symptoms of withdrawal.
- Bupropion – Also known by the brand name Zyban or Wellbutrin. This antidepressant is an extended-release form that reduces withdrawal cravings. This drug also acts on the brain chemicals that are related to nicotine addictions.
Common side effects of the drugs are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Nightmares and insomnia
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Mood and behavioural changes
- Combination therapy – This involves using two different NRT combinations.
Self tips for quitting smoking
- Be positive – Do not give up once you have made up your mind. Always look back at your past experiences and learn from them to help you keep going.
- Make a plan – Make a schedule, set a date and make a promise. Stick to it and keep reminding yourself of the end goal.
- Make diet changes – Some food products like meat make smoking more satisfying. Food like cheese, fruits and vegetables make smoking unpleasant. Therefore, changing your diet could be the first step to quitting.
- Change drinks – Avoid soft drinks, alcohol, coffee and tea regularly. Instead, have plenty of water and fresh juices.
- Exercise – Short workout routines or even a 5 min walk or jog can help diminish the craving and help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy at all, but a little effort from your side, combined with nicotine prescriptions from smoke-free clinics, will undoubtedly lead to a positive result.
Author Bio:
Ester Adams is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.