Patches and Gum

Patches and gum are one of the most common ways to quit smoking as the products are available in most pharmacies. The items act as nicotine replacement solutions which aim to tackle cravings head-on.

How do you use it?

Patches deliver a constant dose of nicotine into your bloodstream through the skin. You simply wear the patch under your clothes. It takes around five hours for it to reach the peak level. The gums are different to normal gums and the average person would usually use 10 pieces of gum every day for the first three months after quitting smoking. They also come in different strengths depending on how heavy a smoker you are.

How does this help cravings?

Cravings are controlled because of the small doses of nicotine that the body receives from the patches or gum. This can still be a difficult time for the smoker who is used to getting a bigger “hit” of nicotine when smoking, and so the gums and patches will also require will power to be truly successful in helping someone quit smoking. However, research suggests that using gums and patches doubles the likelihood of someone quitting smoking. Having a nicotine replacement means that you can slowly wean yourself off of cigarettes.

What does it cost?

The costs of these items are reasonable in comparison to years of buying more cigarettes. They can be found over the counter and range from £10 to £20 depending on what you are buying. The products will need to be replaced when you use them all up, and so for best results they should be taken constantly for a set period of time.

Who is this suited for?

Most smokers can use these products, but you should check with your GP if you have any medical conditions which might be of concern. Also, if you are pregnant or under 18 you might also want to check first.

See a range of electronic cigarettes that can also help you quit tobacco cigarettes