Replacement therapies and support can help you stop for good.
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| | | | Out of the frying pan and into the fire. That's how it feels to quit vaping but still be wearing nicotine patches nearly 18 months later. Thing is, I really like nicotine and the way it sparks my brain cells. But this cannot go on forever, so what is the best way to stop for good? Let's find out. | | Before we get into the rights and wrongs of patches and gum, here are some stories we picked out for you: | | | | OK, let's unwrap this issue,
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Tim Snaith
March 22, 2024 • 3 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Is nicotine always a no-no? | | Nicotine has been used for centuries in indigenous cultures for its stimulating and pleasurable effects. It triggers a release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to feelings of relaxation, alertness, and contentment. Some research even suggests nicotine may have cognitive benefits for memory and attention. So that's why those brain tingles kept me coming back for more! | | But a big problem with nicotine is how you get it. While nicotine itself may have some potential benefits, the most common delivery methods — smoking and vaping — come with serious health risks. | | Smoking tobacco is unequivocally terrible for health — it's the leading cause of preventable death, increasing risks of cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and more. | | Vaping was pitched as a safer alternative, but evidence is mounting that it comes with its own slew of potential dangers. Studies have linked vaping to lung inflammation and damage, cardiovascular issues, and concerning changes on the cellular level. The long-term effects are still a big question mark. | | So what's a nicotine fiend to do? As I've learned the hard way, quitting ain't easy. Nicotine is highly addictive, and withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, and trouble sleeping can be brutal. But it is possible, and so worth it for your health. | | Nicotine replacement therapies like patches, gum, or lozenges are a great place to start to manage cravings and wean yourself off gradually. For me, 24-hour patches have been a great help. Prescription medications can also curb cravings, though I've never tried them personally. | | Aside from patches, gum, vapes, and medications, avoiding smoking triggers has been the key. In the past, many of my friends and some of my family smoked, but not anymore, so meetups are no longer a problem the way they used to be. That has made a big difference. | | I've found that simply going for a walk or cycle and filling my lungs with fresh air instead of toxic fumes is the best possible replacement for smoking. Making choices that favor a longer, healthier life over instant gratification is a mindset that had to be nurtured, but eventually, it became a habit. | | If you struggle with nicotine addiction like I sometimes do, don't lose heart. Arm yourself with a quit plan, lean on your support crew, and take it one day at a time. I'm now confident that one day soon, I'll be able to peel off the final patch and say sayonara to nicotine for good. | | | 🎤 Over to you: Do you struggle with nicotine addiction, or did you find it easy to quit? Tell me about it! Email wellnesswire@healthline.com to share your experience. (We may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.) | | | | | | |
| | | | Quit with confidence | | | | | | |  | | Kick the habit with Quit For Life | | If you love to smoke, dip, vape, or chew, you can break free from tobacco and nicotine with Quit For Life — a leading evidence-based program that may be available through your state or health plan benefits at no additional cost. Quit For Life offers personalized plans, expert coaching, educational resources, and nicotine replacement therapy to help guide you along your own path toward tobacco- and nicotine-free living. | | With a dedicated Quit Team available 24/7, you'll learn how to conquer cravings and build healthier habits together. Visit quitnow.net or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW and join millions who have found success with Quit For Life's proven strategies. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Thanks for reading! If you find yourself in a bad mood come Monday morning, Morgan will be back with some cheering tips.
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