Our focus here at Matthews Internal Medicine has always been preventative medicine. We want our patients to live a healthier lifestyle that helps them avoid some diseases in the first place. One of the most important ways we do that is by helping our patients quit smoking.
Smoking can cause a wide array of health issues, so quitting can be one of the best things that you can do for your health. People who smoke cigarettes have a higher chance of developing cancer, heart disease, and more. They also tend to have worse oral health than a non-smoker.
As people try to quit, they’ll inevitably hear about a few “proven” methods that can assist them. Some of the most common smoking cessation methods are probably nicotine patches and nicotine gum. These contain one of the most addictive ingredients of cigarettes and can help you wean yourself off of them entirely. But how effective are these methods, really? Can you go it alone and quit with only the aid of these forms of nicotine replacement therapy?
The Effectiveness of Nicotine Gum and Nicotine Patches
The patch works by slowly releasing nicotine into your body over time. It contains less nicotine than a cigarette and can help you deal with withdrawals from its most addictive ingredient. You’ll have less issues with cravings, anxiety, and other common cigarette withdrawal symptoms. It gives your body a nicotine fix slowly compared to a cigarette, so it might take some getting used to. As for its effectiveness, it could double your chances of quitting according to some studies.
Nicotine gum can also help you cope with withdrawal. How much gum you’ll need to chew each day can vary from person to person, but for most it ends up being around 10 pieces. Each piece takes about 20 to 30 minutes to deliver its dose of nicotine. It acts faster than the patch and allows you to control the dosage a bit more. The downside is that, while it can help you quit, some smokers do end up addicted to the gum itself.
Together, the nicotine patch and nicotine gum can increase your chance of quitting. Both of these methods of quitting smoking can also pose risks for people with high blood pressure, ulcers, and other conditions. That’s why the most important part of your smoking cessation plan could be your doctor.
How Your Doctor Can Help
We know that quitting smoking can be difficult. That’s why we do everything we can to help our patients take this crucial step towards a healthier lifestyle. We have the skill and experience needed to guide you through the entire process.
Kicking a nicotine addiction won’t happen overnight. It’s also incredibly hard to stick to on your own. Many people rely on friends and family during this tough time, but we want you to know that you can rely on your primary care physician as well. We can help you stay on track and teach you more about the health benefits that come along with quitting. Make an appointment today.