Difficult to quit smoking
The number of people who smoke has decreased in recent years. According to the Trimbos Institute, at least 25.7% of the Dutch adult population smoked in 2014. In 2022 this percentage will drop to 18.9%. As many as a third of these people made at least one attempt to quit smoking in the same year. And this isn’t easy for most. Certainly not when someone has been smoking for years. This is because tobacco contains nicotine. It has a very addictive effect. Those who quit smoking may then experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness and cravings.
Cut back on nicotine
Products such as nicotine patches and chewing gum respond to this. By sticking with the patches or gum, you’ll experience fewer withdrawal symptoms and be less likely to switch to tobacco. But do these products really work?
Nicotine patches and gum
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 continue to consume nicotine, you will suffer less physical withdrawal symptoms and can therefore quit smoking more easily, according to the website Ikstopnu.nl (a collaboration of experts, from the Trimbos Institute and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports) .
It is best to apply nicotine patches to dry places on the body, where there is no friction with clothes. A good place, for example, is the upper arm. You can wear a patch for 24 hours (especially at first). However, do not always stick it in the same place to avoid irritation. As you use the products for longer, you can gradually reduce it.
Do you need help to quit smoking?
Would you like to quit smoking, but find it very difficult? Or do you notice that nicotine patches and chewing gum aren’t helping you? Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for further help. This can prescribe medications and direct you to the right guidance or coaching. On the Ikstopnu.nl website you can find all the information, advice and support for quitting smoking.
(Source: Trimbos Institute, Ikstopnu.nl, national government. Photo: Shutterstock)
2024-01-07 05:01:58
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