NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

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Nicotine replacement therapy is a World Health Organization (WHO) approved 12-week therapy that reduces smokers' dependency on cigarettes gradually and finally leads them to quit smoking.
- It is also cost-effective where the daily average cost could range between Rs 10-13 per patient and is taken over 60-90 days.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine is the main addictive substance used in tobacco.
- When a person starts using tobacco products, his/her body gets used to having nicotine in them. When they quit tobacco, they also quit nicotine and suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) provides nicotine in the form of gum, sprays, and inhalers, but without the other harmful chemicals that are used in tobacco products.
- It could provide some relief from the withdrawal symptoms.
- Several studies have revealed that using NRT can nearly double the chances of quitting smoking.
The therapy only deals with physical dependence.
- People also need other methods that could help them with the psychological (emotional and mental) part of the tobacco quit program.
The therapy is safe for all adults who want to quit smoking except pregnant women and teens.
- People who are still smoking or using other forms of tobacco products should not use NRT.
NRT has not yet been proven helpful to people who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day. But many tobacco treatment centers do use NRT for people who are "light smokers."
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has the potential for long-term dependence. Nicotine is addictive, and people can transfer their dependence on tobacco to the NRT.