Many people have a goal of quitting smoking, but are unable to accomplish it. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals and is the main risk factor for four of the leading causes of death in Canada (cancer, heart disease, stroke and lung disease). About 37,000 people die each year in Canada as a result of smoking tobacco.
Product Options
Nicotine Gum:
This product can be used throughout the day whenever you have the urge to smoke. Its frequency is decreased over a period of three months until the individual stops smoking completely. Nicotine gum is not like chewing regular gum – it is chewed then “parked” against the inside cheek to allow for absorption.
Nicotine Lozenge:
The lozenge acts in the same way as the gum, helping to reduce the urge to smoke. It is placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly, usually over 20-30 minutes.
Nicotine Inhaler:
This is a plastic mouthpiece to be loaded with nicotine containing cartridges. The biggest advantage of this product is the hand-to-mouth motion that mimics smoking. This is not an e-cigarette.
Nicotine Mouth Spray:
The mouth spray provides fast relief from cravings. It is sprayed into the mouth when needed and users are advised to avoid inhalation, only swallowing after a few seconds following the spray.
Nicotine Patch:
One of the easiest products to use, the patch is placed onto a clean portion of skin once a day and provides a constant nicotine dose.You can remove the patch just prior to sleep. For these individuals, the gum or the lozenge is recommended upon waking to provide nicotine support until the next day’s patch takes effect.
Non-nicotine Prescription Medications: (e.g. Champix, Zyban)
A pill taken twice a day may curb smoking in two ways. First, it acts in the brain in ways similar to nicotine, thereby reducing the symptoms of withdrawal. Second it competes with the same action sites in the brain as nicotine, and thereby reduces the pleasure received from smoking. The simplicity and effectiveness make this a popular option.
Financial Motivation
Depending on the number of cigarettes smoked in a day, here’s how much money you could save if you were to quit:
- 1 pack per week x 52 weeks = $520 to $624 per year
- 2 packs per week x 52 weeks = $1,040 to $1,248 per year
- Half a pack per day x 365 days = $1,825 to $2,190 per year
- 1 pack per day x 365 days = $3,650 to $4,380 per year
- 2 packs per day x 365 days = $7,300 to $8,760 per year
*Based on the estimate that a pack of cigarettes will cost anywhere from $10-12 (25 cigarettes).
To find out how much money you would save by quitting smoking, check out Health Canada’s Cost Calculator.
Talk to Us
For more information about smoking cessation, talk to a Conway’s pharmacist. We can help you reach the goal of a smoke-free life.