In the recent years we are all aware of the health risks and warnings that come with smoking tobacco and the long term damage this can cause. In conjunction with this the cost of maintaining a habit most would rather kick. In this blog I will be explaining combination therapy and how it is proven more successful than singular use nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), traditional quitting methods and myths such as:

  • Hypnosis; this may work for some in the initial stages of nicotine withdrawal (deep breathing, relaxation) but has not be proven to have a long lasting effect against quitting smoking.
  • Electronic cigarettes; while these may stunt the need for tobacco they have been proven to still cause harm
  • Cutting down; although better to smoke less than usual this can be difficult to maintain without additional treatment
  • Prescribed medications; these have been proven to work but have unpleasant side effects when combined with the side effects of nicotine withdrawal can make for a traumatic journey
  • ‘Cold turkey’; quitting immediately without any treatment or assistance can make for intense withdrawal symptoms, (depending on the frequency of nicotine intake and how long you’ve smoked will impact the severity) such as:-
    • Cramping, nausea
    • Sweating
    • Irritability, anxiety
    • Depression
    • Difficulty concentrating, headaches
    • Weight gain
    • Coughing

Here’s where we move on to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and how combining two types of NRT can in some cases double the chances of quitting smoking than taking singular NRT. NRT is a product that releases some nicotine into the body without exposing it to the other harmful chemicals that come with smoking. Using NRT is an effective way to diminish the uncomfortable cravings that quitting smoking brings and to live a healthier lifestyle.

Combined therapy is the use of two NRT products (e.g. Nicorette invisi 25mg Patch + Nicorette Quickmist) proven to, in some cases, double the chances of quitting for good. Combined therapy is designed for the ‘heavier’ smoker e.g. 10 or more cigarettes per day, also taken into factor is the length of time ‘heavy’ smoking has occurred.

Using combined therapy has been proven to boost rates of abstinence and alleviate cravings. Such combinations that have received successful feedback are:

Wearing the patch slowly releases nicotine throughout the day which is absorbed through the skin which shall help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Combining this with the gum, inhaler or Quickmist releases nicotine into the bloodstream via the lining of the mouth and has also had positive results in assisting with the mental addiction that comes with smoking such as the hand to mouth motion demonstrated when smoking a cigarette.

If you have had hiccups with quitting before and have never used combination therapy I would highly recommend this method to give you the best chance of stubbing out that expensive, unhealthy habit for good!