Healthy Smoking Alternatives: helpful or harmful? Smoking alternatives to help you quit are Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Vaping, GP treatments The number of young people who started smoking during the UK’s first covid lockdown increased from 21.5% to 26.8%
according to Cancer Research UK. Most of those who started during this period did so because of the stress of lockdowns and uncertainty over the future. Does this sound like you? Are you looking to quit? Quitting smoking isn’t easy but there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances of doing so, and most importantly, making it last.
Smoking alternatives to help you quit
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
NRT works by gradually reducing a smoker’s dependence on nicotine using dose control. They contain a small amount of nicotine to meet cravings, without the toxins contained in regular cigarettes. Also, They tend to be in the form of nicotine gum, patches, inhalers, or mouth sprays. They can help reduce
withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and bad moods, which may occur when you’re quitting smoking. A good way to use these is by using a slow-release method such as a patch; combined with gum or spray to quickly satisfy cravings. This takes around 8-12 weeks before dosages are reduced and you eventually stop.
Vaping
According to the
NHS website, there is research that shows that using vape products as a Smoking alternatives to smoking cigarettes can help people quit. Vaping is a great and customizable method of quitting smoking. You can buy various designs to suit your style, as well as varying strengths of e-liquid and e-juices. This way, depending on how much you smoked previously, you can start with high strength; gradually reduce it as your cravings subside. It’s such an effective method due to the similar hand actions needed to use it; but without the bad taste and dangerous chemicals.
GP treatments
GPs can provide a number of treatments on prescription in some circumstances. This is for very serious cases if vaping and nicotine replacement aren’t effective. They work by reducing cravings and blocking the rewarding feeling you get after smoking. It is seen as one of the most effective methods to quit smoking and the treatment lasts around 12 weeks. Prescription treatments have to be monitored regularly to make sure they’re working correctly and if they suit your needs.
But before you try any Smoking alternatives…
Make a plan
If you’ve smoked regularly for a long time, buying and using cigarettes will be part of your lifestyle. A lot of people who stop and then start smoking again didn’t have a plan and just quit cold turkey; which is incredibly hard and often ineffective. One of the first steps is to look at the options available for you. Don’t be scared of trying a few methods, it’s a difficult process but will be better in the long run when you find the one that’s right for you. Another thing you need to consider is when your cravings occur. Is it just when you’re stressed or is it most of the time? This can help you figure out what
type of smoking alternative you’ll need.
Speak to the experts
When looking into methods to quit smoking; it’s important you speak to someone who knows what they’re talking about and what’s best for you. Speak to your local GP for what options they have available; and if they can offer any help such as classes and support websites. If you’re looking at vapes as Smoking alternatives, Cloudstix has a range of
e-liquids and vaping equipment; that you can use to gradually reduce your dependence on nicotine.