Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

There are six types of NRT available and all will double your chances of success at stopping smoking. You need to take NRT regularly for 10-12 weeks. The six options of NRT are:

· Patches work by giving you a constant supply of nicotine. You can get 16- and 24-hour patches. The 24-hour patch means you wont get cravings and is useful if you usually get up for a cigarette during the night, but it can disturb your sleep slightly. The 16-hour patch is ideal for most regular smokers. Move the patch daily to avoid skin irritation.
· Gum gives you nicotine on demand. Nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth when you chew the gum. A chew-rest-chew technique is best, because any nicotine you swallow is wasted. Hold the gum in your cheek in between chews.
· Microtab is a small tablet containing nicotine that dissolves under your tounge. You should not suck, chew or swallow the microtab as this will reduce the amount of nicotine you get  
· Nasal Spray is the strongest form of NRT available. The nicotine gets into the body through the lining of the nose. Nicotine taken in this way is absorbed fast, so nasal sprays are especially suited to people experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or who have high nicotine dependence. The spray can irritate the nose at first, but it quickly passes.  
· Inhalator is a plastic device shaped like a cigarette with a nicotine cartridge fitted itto it. Sucking on the mouthpiece releases nicotine vapour, which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. Inhalators are useful for people who need to get rid of the hand-to-mouth action of smoking over time
· Lozenge is like a sweet that you suck slowly. It gives you nicotine in a way similiar to the microtab.  

NRT works by helping you manage the withdrawal symptoms. NRT is a safe product and does not contain any of the harmful chemicals that cause cancer. For best results NRT should be used in conjunction with attending one of our stop smoking services. It is advisable you speak to a trained stop smoking advisor before you start using any of the products listed above.