Do you love yourself? Is your life precious? For us it is, but do you consider healthy living worthwhile? Wait, take some deep breaths and think about it. Since childhood, you have been told that smoking is not a healthy habit but you fell into the trap of this addictive substance. Some of you might have decided to quit this habit. What is your plan? Are you searching for alternatives to quitting smoking? Or you have chosen alternatives but are not sure if they are safe or not. Moreover, you might be puzzled about their effectiveness. 

Alternatives to quitting smoking

E-Cigarettes

E-cigarettes are on the list of top alternatives to tobacco. But recently, studies reported that it also affects lungs and causes deaths. People are favoring e-cig use because it allows them to have different flavours. They should realize that they are simply chemical vapours that they inhale and feel pleasure. Both tobacco and e-cig are producing equal formaldehyde content. It is also advised that don’t use e-cigs as they won’t be effective in helping you to quit smoking. 

Cigars and Shisha

The cigar is not an alternative to tobacco in the context of quitting smoking. It is equally injurious to your health. The average amount of nicotine in cigarettes is 8mg while some brands offer 10mg+ of nicotine as well. These cigarettes also contain more NH³ and Cadmium. 

Comparing cigars to cigarettes; if you smoke five cigars a day, it is making you vulnerable to cancer in the same way as it increases risks for a person who is having twenty cigarettes per day. 

On the other hand, Shisha or ‘hookah’ allows you to smoke different flavours using a pipe. It is not a safe option and also doesn’t prevent you from smoking. There is no filtration taking place in the hookah and it makes you smoke more than you usually inhale while smoking tobacco cigarettes. 

Nicotine Pouches

The safest option is using NRTs. As nicotine doesn’t add to the risk of cancers or cardiovascular diseases. You may buy patches, inhales or tablets from any pharmacy or store. Smoke addicts can quit their habit if they start NRTs in their daily routine. You may buy them over-the-counter. If a healthcare practitioner prescribed it, you may get NRTs at a reduced rate. 

Nicotine patches respond steadily. You attach it to your skin and enjoy nicotine doses. After the application of the 1st patch, it may take a few hours for nicotine levels to spike. 

Nicotine gums, tabs, and inhalers respond fast. As soon as you crave nicotine, you get it. It may help you to control cravings for cigarette smoking. You may use both NRTs types to seek the most benefits. 

Take Away!

E-cigs is not effective in the long-term as well while NRTs are profitable choices. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, hunger and fatigue. You may intake bupropion or varenicline to manage withdrawal symptoms. Well, don’t take medications without consulting a doctor. These medicines might not be suitable for you.