Despite there are less and less people smoking every year, the tobacco industry has created more technologically advanced and less harmful forms of using nicotine.
Keep in mind that nicotine, while highly addictive itself, has not been found to cause any type of cancer or heart disease, as most cigarette-related illnesses are caused by inhaling carbon monoxide and other chemical subproducts of combustion.
Read below the five best ways of enjoying nicotine products that are less harmful than smoking a cigarette and can be actually used to help you quit smoking altogether.
Nicotine pouches
Using a nicotine patch is a very convenient and discrete way of absorbing nicotine that is also safe for the others, as its “smokelessness” avoid second-hand smoking altogether. The substance comes in small pre-packed pouches with different flavors and concentrations that can be placed in between your gums or chewed, similarly to a chewing tobacco, but its white color avoids staining your teeth.
A nicotine pouch will usually last between 20 minutes to an hour, and it is perfect to use in closed or hazardous environments, such as gas stations, airplanes, movie theaters and public transportation. By the way, a nicotine pouch is also very practical to be used while wearing a face mask. Click here for more information.
Electronic Cigarettes
Also known as e-cigs or vapes, this is a battery-powered device that produces a vaporized liquid containing nicotine and different flavors. There are many e-cigs variations and designs that fit different users. Electronic cigarettes are a good way of retaining the “hand-to-mouth smoking ritual” while absorbing less harmful vapor containing nicotine, which feels more natural to the regular smoker.
Snus
Originated in 18th century Sweden as a variant of the snorted dry snuff, this is a unique moist powder that can be used in a similar fashion to chewing tobacco, but without the need to spit. It functions well as a harm reduction nicotine alternative since it is smokeless and there are also tobacco-free alternatives. Unfortunately, it has been banned in most of Europe, except Czech Republic and the Scandinavian countries. In the US, it is also hard to find snus with the same quality and production standards as the Swedish variant.
Nicotine Patches and other NRT
Approved in 1991 by the FDA and readily available since 1996 over the counter, nicotine patches are a safe and one of the most popular methods of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). It is usually placed in the user’s shoulder and provides a steady and controlled nicotine dose throughout the day, which reduces the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Over time, the patch’s nicotine contents can be reduced until the user no longer feels the need for nicotine. It is not a perfect method for quitting smoking, as there are other psychological effects caused by smoking, such as the act of placing a cigarette in the mouth, which the patch cannot replicate.
There are other forms of NRT that are also perfectly safe to use to quit smoking, such as nicotine gums, inhalers, nasal sprays and medications like bupropion and varenicline.
