Electronic Cigarettes - Is This A Gimmick To Make You Stop Smoking? | Lifestyle

Electronic Cigarettes - Is This A Gimmick To Make You Stop Smoking?

by MaryKayRivers

The introduction of stop smoking products such as nicotine patches and gums were met with instant acceptance by consumers anxious to quit smoking. A prescription was required which raised the cost of the products to include a doctor's visit but after a few years of safe use the smoking cessation products were allowed to be sold over the counter without prescription.

These products work by providing a source of nicotine that is meant to slake the cravings of the smoker. Gradually over a period of ten or more weeks the level of nicotine is reduced until the smoker no longer needs the stop smoking products at all.

Smokers who chose the nicotine patch use the maximum strength (21 mg) for the first six weeks. The instructions are to replace the patch with a fresh one every 24 hours but some smokers find their sleep disturbed and wear the patch only during waking hours. In weeks seven and eight the nicotine level is reduced to 14 mg and then to 7 mg for the final two weeks of the program.

Tobacco prices have drastically risen in the past few years. It is common for a heavy smoker to spend no less than $70 per week on his addiction. The total cost of patches for a 10 week smoking cessation program will cost a bit over $200. Clearly, this is cheaper than smoking tobacco for the next ten weeks. Nicotine replacement products are not advised for use by diabetics. This eliminates 8% of the U.S. population who cannot use the patches at all.

Another stop smoking product that is popular with consumers are nicotine gums. Similar to chewing gum this nicotine replacement product contained 2 or 4 mg of nicotine in each foil wrapped piece which is about the strength of nicotine contained in one or two tobacco cigarettes. The nicotine is absorbed by the tissues of the mouth and delivered to the bloodstream.

The user controls the nicotine release of the gum. First the gum is chewed for a few seconds until it becomes soft and creates a tingly feeling in the mouth. Then it is tucked between the user's cheek and gum and held there for a few minutes. As needed the gum is chewed again for a few seconds to release more of the nicotine tingling sensation. One piece of gum will last for about 30 minutes before the nicotine is depleted.

There can be unpleasant side effects for user of nicotine gum. Used excessively, they may cause the throat muscles to feel constricted and cause hiccups. The muscle discomfort is thought to be a result of high amounts of nicotine swallowed with saliva. Nicotine naturally restricts blood vessels and overuse of these gums over time may lead to gum disease.

Used in the first trimester of pregnancy, nicotine replacement products have been links with increased risk of birth defects and neither gum nor patches should be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Prescription drugs do not replace the nicotine when you quit smoking but it reduces the cravings felt. Most of the drugs are antidepressants meant to calm the stressful time of nicotine withdrawal. Though popular with the public there have been rising concerns about potential serious side effects. Smokers that can tolerate the drugs seem to have a high rate of success than those who use nicotine replacement products.

When you buy e-cigarette (s) you are a smoker who is not interested in quitting but looking for a better smoking alternative. E-cigarettes are not meant to help you stop smoking but to allow smokers to continue their habit in an environmentally friendly and healthy way. E-cigs cannot be compared to nicotine replacement products like patches and gums.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Mary Kay Rivers is an acclaimed expert on all aspects of electronic cigarettes. Her publications about realistic e-cigs and how to buy e-cigarette have become very famous.