Demystifying NRT Products: Are They The Safest Way to Quit Tobacco?
Decoding NRT Products & Nicotine Addiction
Thinking of getting off your tobacco addiction could lead to panic - we understand how you feel. The urge for that familiar buzz, the sukoon from chewing gutkha and khaini, and the joy of holding a cigarette and feeling its smoke inside your mouth is hard to resist. But once you realise that quitting is critical for health, continuing smoking or chewing can feel like hell too. Constantly thinking about how you want to quit but cannot? This can lead to deep emotions of guilt and shame and feeling powerless before this habit.
When one does try to quit, nicotine withdrawal symptoms show up physically as well as mentally - often leading to irritability, anxiety, or even depression. That's equally tough. Thankfully, NRT products can help here - one moment, one pouch, one stick at a time. What are they? Read on as we demystify NRT products.
Are NRT Products Safer Than Tobacco?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, like patches, gum, and lozenges, can help you quit by easing withdrawal symptoms, one occasion at a time. They provide a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco products such as cigarettes and gutka to help you manage the cravings, the talap that you feel when you want the pouch or the stick at any cost.
Research shows that NRT products are safer than tobacco. Replacing your stick or pouch with NRT products could help you reduce tobacco usage and eventually quit chewing or smoking tobacco.
Are NRT Products Cheaper Than Tobacco?
Nicotine gums are more affordable than a pack of smokes or pouches of pan masala with gutka. If we break it down to per-use economics, the difference between the cost of a single nicotine gum and a cigarette stick or a pan masala packet could range from Rs. 4 to Rs. 10. That is what you save for each stick or pouch you substitute. Multiply that for every consumption occasion and then for the entire month, and you could save enough to plan a vacation in 6 months! Even other NRT products are relatively cheaper than smoking or chewable forms of tobacco.
And while it does sound morbid, this does not take into account the likely cost of healthcare due to tobacco-related illnesses. Net net, quitting this habit could help you reduce the financial burden on your loved ones, leaving space to spend on things that matter. And once you wean yourself off the NRT product, you've freed yourself from the extra monthly expenditure for life. It's worth a try, yes?
Customise NRT Products Usage To Support Your Tobacco Quitting Journey
Every person's journey to quit tobacco is unique and diverse. Choose an NRT product that suits you best. Think of slowly and steadily replacing each consumption moment, getting your body used to the replacement NRT you adopt. You could start with a patch for steady nicotine release or try gum or lozenges for flexible dosing. Embrace the challenge, experiment to find the best fit, and see where it takes you.
Do NRT Products Cause Cancer?
As explained above, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products provide a controlled dose of nicotine minus the harmful chemicals in your daily tobacco products such as cigarettes and gutka pouches. While nicotine could be addictive, it is not the primary cause of cancer in tobacco products.
Cigarettes, gutkha, and khaini contain many toxic and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals. NRT products, such as nicotine gums, eliminate exposure to these, significantly reducing the risk of cancer and other tobacco-related health issues.
It's also important to remember that NRT is a temporary aid to help you quit tobacco. Once you're free from tobacco, you must gradually reduce your usage to avoid long-term dependence on NRT products.
Do NRT Products Have Side Effects With Long-Term Use?
While NRT products are a valuable tool for quitting tobacco, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects of long-term use. Prolonged use can result in nicotine dependence, making it difficult to stop using the product.
Some users could potentially experience side effects such as mouth irritation, gum problems, increased heart rate, or digestive issues like heartburn, nausea, or hiccups, but the percentage of people who feel these is very minute. It's important to note that even the minority that experiences the side effects do so only in the initial stages of gum consumption. However, we urge you to follow the recommended usage guidelines and treat NRT products as a temporary aid.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking or chewing gutkha or khaini is challenging across many fronts. NRT products provide a sustainable option by allowing you to substitute your regular stick or pouch, one occasion at a time. You can choose the product you like most and adopt a safer, more effective, and personalised solution.
Remember, we understand the difficult task you have set for yourself but quitting is possible, and your health is worth the effort.
