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For some considerable time now the National Health Service in the UK has been promoting aids to nicotine withdrawal in the form of nicotine pads and nicotine gum. Private enterprise has now entered the field with the introduction of the electronic cigarette.
For anyone wishing to try electronic cigarettes the question arises: How do they compare with the established methods of nicotine replacement therapy?
There are three main areas that we need to examine.
i) The delivery system. ii) The dosage.
iii) Breaking the habit.
1. The delivery system.
Nicotine pads depend upon the nicotine content being absorbed through the skin over a twenty-four hour period. Therefore the effect upon the smoker who is trying to quit is very different to that experienced by inhaling from a cigarette. Due to the slow action of nicotine absorption the quitting smoker does not get the immediate gratification as from a real cigarette. This is a major drawback (excuse the pun).
Nicotine gum is not as slow acting as nicotine pads but still takes a considerable length of time to reach the areas of the brain that are awaiting the desired stimulation. Again, the quitting smoker does not get the immediate stimulation required.
By contrast, the nicotine in the electronic cigarette is delivered in exactly the same way as with a real cigarette. The smoker draws on the electronic cigarette and receives immediate gratification - just like the real thing.
2. The Dosage.
Nicotine patches are available in three strengths: High, Medium and Low strength. The idea being that the quitting smoker starts off with the high dosage then moves onto the medium then low dosage patches.
Typically the dosages are in the vicinity of 21 milligrams, 14 milligrams and 7 milligrams respectively, per patch, for the high, medium and low dosages. Note: these figures are correct according to my research but there are many brands of nicotine patch and dosages may vary somewhat.
By contrast, the electronic cigarette is available in four strengths: High - 16 milligrams, Medium - 11 milligrams, Low - 6 milligrams and None (no nicotine), respectively per replaceable cartridge. One cartridge being equivalent to a twenty pack of cigarettes.
It should be noted that whereas with the nicotine pad the user is subjected to a constant, albeit slow, dosage, the electronic cigarette user can use the device in the same way as a real cigarette, i.e., on demand.
3. Breaking the Habit.
As an aid to stopping smoking the electronic cigarette possesses one great advantage over and above any other method. It looks like and is used in the same way as a real cigarette. There are two major barriers to the smoker who wants to stop smoking: a) Escaping the need for nicotine and b) Breaking the habit of physically using a cigarette. The electronic cigarette provides the answer to both these hurdles: a) By the progressive use of lower dosage cartridges and b) by emulating, in appearance and feel, a real cigarette.
In conclusion, it seems that the introduction of the electronic cigarette is a real boon to those smokers who wish to stop smoking tobacco. It is generally recognized that nicotine is the least harmful component of cigarette smoke and is present in many food items, including tea and tomatoes. There has probably never been an easier way to stop smoking.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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