Nicotine Replacement Therapy Most people use nicotine products because they like the effects, such as feeling happier or more relaxed. But nicotine can quickly become addictive, which makes quitting hard since you’ll likely go through withdrawal. Luckily, there is a safe and effective way to quit nicotine while also relieving these symptoms. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is covered by TRICARE and includes five FDA-approved medicines for those trying to stop using nicotine products. Nicotine Replacement Medicines These medicines provide your body with low doses of nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms. Some are available over the counter while others require a prescription. All are safer than tobacco products. Over-the-Counter Patch Nicotine patches are worn on your upper body for a 24-hour period and release nicotine that is absorbed through your skin. When selecting a patch, it is important to start with the right dosage of nicotine. This is based on your current nicotine habits, including how much your body is used to getting. Learn more about how to use nicotine patches. Lozenge Nicotine lozenges are placed between your gum and cheek, similar to smokeless tobacco. They are similar to hard candies, so they shouldn’t be chewed or swallowed. Nicotine is absorbed through your mouth while the lozenge dissolves, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Lozenges vary in size, strength and flavor. Learn more about using nicotine lozenges. Gum Nicotine gum is like regular gum, but you don’t use it the same way. Instead of constant chewing, you bite it a couple times and then keep it between your gum and cheek. Repeating this process each minute allows your mouth to absorb the nicotine as it is released. There are different doses and flavors of nicotine gum. Learn more about how nicotine gum works. Prescription Inhaler The nicotine oral inhaler looks sort of like an e-cigarette. Using the inhaler requires taking short and shallow puffs like you’re sipping from a straw. Since the nicotine is absorbed into the back of your throat, you should not inhale the medicine fully into your lungs. Your health care provider can help determine the right dose for you. Learn more about how to use a nicotine oral inhaler. Nasal Spray Nicotine nasal spray is administered into both nostrils regularly throughout the day. Using the spray may be uncomfortable at first, but the side effects tend to improve after the first week. Since the nicotine is absorbed through your nose, make sure it is clear before spraying. The right dosage will be decided by your health care provider. Learn more about using nicotine nasal spray. Can I Combine NRT Methods?Depending on how frequently it’s used, an NRT method is either long-acting or short-acting. The patch is long-acting, while nicotine gum, lozenges, inhaler and spray are short-acting. Your chances of successfully quitting may be higher if you combine one of each type. For instance, wearing a nicotine patch can help your body receive a steady stream of nicotine all day, but you may still experience cravings or other signs of withdrawal, and that’s where the short-acting method can be helpful. Talk to your health care provider to determine a quitting strategy that works well for you. What If I Want to Quit Without Using Nicotine? There are two pill medicines recommended for those trying to quit nicotine that do not actually contain it. Instead, they reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by targeting your brain directly. Both pills require a prescription and may cause side effects. Varenicline Varenicline is an FDA-approved pill that eases withdrawal symptoms and makes using nicotine products less enjoyable. You typically take it twice a day for about 12 weeks, starting before you actually quit nicotine use. The pill comes in two strengths, with dosage instructions given by your health care provider. Learn more about varenicline. Note: Depending on your specific role as a Warfighter, you may not be eligible for varenicline. Check with your command leadership and health care team before starting use. Bupropion Bupropion is an FDA-approved pill that reduces your urge for nicotine. You usually take it twice a day for up to 12 weeks, starting before you actually quit nicotine use. The pill only comes in one dosage amount, so your healthcare provider will give you directions for when to take it. Learn more about bupropion. Other Helpful Tools That Can Help You Quit Nicotine There are many resources designed for those who want to quit nicotine products. Sign Up for Texts Download an App Make a Plan If you have made the decision to quit, consider signing up for texting programs through Smokefree.gov or The Truth Initiative. These check-ins can help hold you accountable to your quitting goals. For local support, you can text QUITNOW to 333888. Quitting nicotine can be hard, but there are apps to keep you focused on achieving your goal. The QuitSTART and StayQuit Coach apps can help you manage cravings, stay motivated and track your progress. Both are free to download through the Apple and Android app stores. Building a quit plan is often a key part of successfully stopping nicotine use. When creating this plan, think about the reason behind your decision to quit and identify a support system. You should also consider what triggers you to use nicotine and how you plan to overcome those obstacles once you quit. Whether you write it out on paper, use a fillable prompt or try a challenge, choosing a process that will help you succeed is what matters most. If you want to quit nicotine, there are many choices available to you. Choosing the right approach can depend on a lot of factors. Speak with your health care provider about your options and what may suit you best. It is important to find safe method(s) that will help you be successful. Giving up nicotine is tough, and may even take a few tries, but you can do it! Additional ResourcesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “Six Quick Tips for Using Quit Smoking Medicines”Smokefree.gov - “You Can Quit Tips”Warfighter Wellness - “Thinking About Quitting Tobacco”You Can Quit 2 - “Nicotine Replacement Therapy”You Can Quit 2 - “Support Locator”ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “How Quit Smoking Medicines Work”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “Quit Smoking Medicines”You Can Quit 2 - “Your Phone Can Help You Quit Tobacco”
