Difficult to quit smoking
The number of people who smoke has been decreasing in recent years. According to the Trimbos Institute, no less than 25.7 percent of the Dutch adult population smoked in 2014. In 2022 this will have decreased to 18.9 percent. As many as a third of these people have made at least 1 attempt to quit smoking in the same year. And that is not easy for most. Certainly not when someone has been smoking for years. This is because tobacco contains nicotine. It has a very addictive effect. Anyone who stops smoking may therefore experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness and cravings.
Reduce nicotine
Products such as nicotine patches and chewing gum respond to this. By sticking on the patches or chewing gum, you will experience fewer withdrawal symptoms and be less likely to turn to tobacco. But do these products actually work?
Nicotine patches and gum
Nicotine patches and chewing gum contain nicotine, just like tobacco. When you use these products, you still get nicotine, but to a much lesser extent. Because you are still ingesting nicotine, you will, according to the website Ikstopnu.nl (a collaboration of experts, the Trimbos Institute and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport) suffer less from physical withdrawal symptoms and can therefore quit smoking more easily.
It is best to stick nicotine patches on dry places on your body, where there is no friction with clothing. A good place, for example, is your upper arm. You can wear a patch for 24 hours (especially in the beginning). However, do not always stick it in the same place to avoid irritation. As you use the products for longer, you can gradually reduce this.
Need help quitting smoking?
Would you like to quit smoking, but do you find this very difficult? Or do you notice that nicotine patches and chewing gum do not help you? Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for extra help. This can prescribe medication and refer you to the right guidance or coaching. On the website Ikstopnu.nl you can find all information, tips and support about quitting smoking.
(Source: Trimbos Institute, Ikstopnu.nl, National Government. Photo: Shutterstock)
2024-01-07 05:01:58
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