What happens when you smoke?
When you inhale a cigarette, tar particles carry nicotine to your lungs, where it's absorbed. Blood sweeps the nicotine from blood vessels in your lungs to your heart, which pumps it through the arteries to the brain and the rest of your body.
This entire process takes around eight seconds - faster than an intravenous injection.
Your body and brain are stimulated. You feel alert, less irritable and less aggressive. The "pleasure system" in the brain is activated and adrenaline is released.
No wonder smoking feels so good, and giving it up is so difficult. But the health benefits of giving up smoking far outweigh any of the good feelings smoking may bring you! Read on to find out how Nicoderm can help you stop smoking.
How does Nicoderm work?
Nicotiene Replacement Therapies (NRTs) work by partially replacing the nicotine derived from tobacco to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They allow you to gradually do away with your need for cigarettes.
As an example, Nicoderm sends an even dose of nicotine into the bloodstream through the skin. Over a 10-week period, you gradually reduce the dose until you stop needing it.
If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day: start with Step 1, and use these patches for six weeks. This is when your body's cravings will be the strongest. For weeks seven and eight, use Step 2 patches. This gradually reduces your nicotine usage. For weeks nine and 10, use Step 3. These patches further reduce your intake of nicotine, and prepare your body for no nicotine intake at all
If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day: start with Step 2 for the initial six weeks. Follow with Step 3 for weeks seven and eight (and nine and 10 if you feel you need them).
Completing the 10-week program is important. It allows you to gradually reduce the amount of nicotine you get, rather than stopping suddenly, and will increase your chances of quitting successfully
Make sure you read all instructions that come with your Nicoderm patches. It will not only instruct you on how to properly use the patch but it will also give you tips on making the quitting process easier.
Water will not interfere with Nicoderm - you can bathe, shower or swim while wearing the patch.
Important health reminders:
· Stop smoking completely before you start using Nicoderm.
· Don't use more than one patch at a time.
· Remove the Nicoderm patch two hours before engaging in prolonged, strenuous exercise, because this may increase nicotine absorption through the skin.
· As with any medication, there are precautions to take. It's very important to read the package and the insert that comes with the Nicoderm product before you start using it. |