How Nicotine Patches Can Help You Give Up Smoking.

Most of us are aware of the ill effects of smoking, but find it very difficult to quit smoking. However anyone of us can quit smoking if we have a strong desire, determination and commitment to do so along with certain other aids and strong social and family support. However you will be amazed to know that there are other things in life, which are more pleasurable than smoking and it is possible to kick off the habit of smoking. Using of nicotine patches proves to be of a great help in getting over the withdrawal symptoms of smoking.  

Yes nicotine patches that look like plasters can be used to give up smoking. These patches are generally stuck on the hairless skin and help to get a slow release of nicotine. They do not contain the other harmful chemicals that are present in the tobacco of a cigarette. Nicotine patches prove to be very useful when you undergo the withdrawal symptoms when giving up smoking.

The use of nicotine patches to give up smoking lies in the slow tapering down of the nicotine supplied to the body. It is advisable to first start with patches that contain a high level of nicotine. These patches can be worn for 16 to 24 hours and should be worn on a clean and hairless skin at different locations each day generally on the upper hand, shoulder or back. Lower potency nicotine patches can be worn subsequently to help in the slow quitting of smoking. However never remove the nicotine patch to start smoking again. The nicotine patches are less addictive, the nicotine being slowly absorbed being much less than when you smoke

Now the question arising in the mind of most smokers may be whether nicotine patches are safe for all. I would say Yes and No. Caution is to be exercised in the case of pregnant and breastfeeding females. Nicotine from nicotine patches could affect the supply of blood to the developing baby in the fetus resulting in stunted growth and low birth weight. However you can rest assured that this harm is significantly less than that caused by chain smokers. So it is best that they give up smoking and nicotine patches may be used on need related basis. It is also advisable to not use these nicotine patches for those suffering from heart related diseases, overactive thyroid, diabetes, stomach ulcers, and liver and kidney diseases.

However nicotine patches could have various side effects. The most prominent side effect is the irritation and rash on your skin.  Besides it could lead to other ill effects like sleep disturbances or insomnia, vivid dreams, dizziness, headache, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. So it is best to remove the nicotine patch a few hours before retiring to bed.  

To conclude dear friends the nicotine patch is a solid tool to help you to quit smoking. However the main catalyst to this change lies within you in your strong resolve and determination to give up smoking.