Is it really possible to quit smoking?

Smoking causes harm to nearly every organ in the body and to overall health¹. However, 19% of adults in the Philippines smoke an average of 11 cigarettes per day². 

The good news is people can stop. There are many aids to quitting, such as counseling, pharmacologic intervention, or a combination of the two. There are also medications approved for smoking cessation. Among them are nicotine gum available in the Philippines — like Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ).

Why is it so hard?

Quitting helps you take back control over your health, regardless of how old you are and how long you’ve been smoking¹. You can have a better quality of life and less risk of early death and adverse health effects, among others³. However, the hardest part is taking that first step. 

There are several barriers to quitting:

• Nicotine⁴

This chemical found in tobacco is addictive. When it enters the body, it attaches to receptors, which then releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. The more you smoke, the more nicotine receptors are produced in your brain⁵.

Our habits help us go about our daily routines without putting much conscious thought into them. They can be formed when repetitive and enjoyable actions trigger the release of dopamine⁷. You might have developed routines that you associate with smoking (e.g., taking coffee break)⁶.

• Smoking as a bonding activity⁸

A study suggested that smoking with others can be seen as a sign of friendship and a way to bond.

• Withdrawal

It is difficult to simply ignore your craving to smoke because nicotine is addictive. It results in physical dependence, making you feel that you need your nicotine fix. This produces withdrawal symptoms including⁵: urges to smoke; irritability; restlessness; difficulty concentrating; sleeplessness; hunger or weight gain; and feelings of anxiety, depression or sadness⁹.

The first week is the hardest

Many people who try quitting fail the first time. Withdrawal symptoms may cause you to lose sleep or focus and become more emotional than usual. You may also find yourself having a bigger appetite or gaining weight. Less common symptoms include; cold symptoms, constipation, dizziness, and mouth ulcers¹⁰.

You may also experience strong cravings that last a few minutes. But the more often you resist, the weaker these urges become. Smoking is indeed a difficult habit to kick, but not impossible. Because of these difficulties, those trying to quit may seek support through smoking cessation programs and nicotine replacement therapy.

The Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

What is nicotine replacement therapy?

People who are trying to quit smoking may rely on nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, and  best as advised by a doctor. This temporarily replaces the nicotine you would normally get from tobacco. This reduces the urge to smoke, as well as withdrawal symptoms¹¹. Another benefit is that NRTs have little or none of the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes¹².

There are different types of nicotine replacement therapy¹³:

• Nicotine gum
• Skin patch
• Nasal spray
• Inhaler
• Lozenges

Studies show that NRTs can increase your chances of quitting the habit by twofold if used properly. NRTs are recommended to be used together with behavioral counseling or smoking cessation treatments, such as a smoking cessation program¹³. 

Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ) is the answer

Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ) is one such readily available nicotine gum in the Philippines. Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ) gum helps get you through that first week of quitting, after which you are nine times more likely to quit for good¹⁴. 

With dosages of 2 milligrams and 4 milligrams, you can control how much nicotine you get when you use nicotine gum¹³. The 2-milligram dosage is recommended for those who smoke 20 cigarettes or less each day, while the 4-milligram dosage is for those who smoke 20 cigarettes or more daily.

Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ) gum works in as fast as 15 minutes to help you manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

It should be noted that this is not normal chewing gum and should not be used as such. Nicotine gum must be chewed slowly for 30 minutes (8 to 12 pieces per day). You can continue using Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ) regularly over a period of three months. It is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Key takeaway: Quitters win

Smoking is a tough habit to kick, but it’s not impossible. This is essential, as quitting smoking can help you live a healthier lifestyle. Different forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may help you with smoking cessation.

Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ), a nicotine gum in the Philippines, can help you in your journey of quitting. Nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette^Ⓡ) helps keep you smoke-free during the first week of quitting. Once you get past that, you are nine times more likely to quit for good. It also weakens your cravings in as fast as 15 minutes and actively fights the seven withdrawal symptoms.

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