Darrick Robles Quitting smoking with nicotine patches, chewing tobacco or e-cigarettes: is it possible? We took a closer look at the alternatives to conventional cigarettes.
Nicotine substitutes: patches, chewing gum & Co.
Many nicotine-containing products are available in pharmacies without a prescription. They are sold in the form of patches, chewing gum, lozenges, nasal sprays or inhalers and are available in different strengths.
In the guidelines for smoking cessation, nicotine-containing products are recommended for smoking cessation, especially for heavy smokers, with the long-term goal of quitting smoking . Its effectiveness has been confirmed in numerous clinical studies.
A withdrawal treatment of this type lasts several weeks. As with cold turkey, side effects can occur, most notably headaches, dizziness, insomnia, or upset stomach. The skin or mucous membranes can become irritated.
Therapy with nicotine patches, chewing gum or sprays should be accompanied by a doctor – in the worst case, unmethodical intake can promote addictive behavior. This applies above all to patients with kidney, liver or cardiovascular problems, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Problematic: chewing tobacco
Chewing tobacco contains nicotine but not the added toxic substances found in cigarettes. The tobacco is not actually chewed but rather held in the mouth in the cheek. The nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa.
Just like cigarettes, chewing tobacco can also be addictive. Withdrawal can also be accompanied by side effects. In this respect, chewing tobacco is not a good substitute for cigarettes. However, the question does not usually arise, because the distribution of chewing tobacco is prohibited in Germany.
Little researched: e-cigarettes
With e-cigarettes, a vaporizing liquid is inhaled. The nicotine content can vary in strength; there are even e-cigarettes without nicotine. In addition, e-cigarettes do not burn, so fewer carcinogenic substances are inhaled. However, some e-cigarettes contain substances that can irritate the respiratory tract.
E-cigarettes are controversial as a means of quitting smoking. In a 2019 study (published in the British Medical Journal), smoking cessation success rates were 83% higher when using e-cigarettes than when using traditional cigarettes.
On the other hand, a 2018 meta-analysis by the National Academies of Sciences concluded that smoking e-cigarettes significantly increases the likelihood of later using conventional cigarettes. The e-cigarette as a gateway drug – of course, this contradicts the possible positive effects for people who want to quit. There are currently no meaningful long-term studies on e-cigarettes.
Conclusion: smoking cessation instead of substitute products
Whether nicotine patches, chewing tobacco or e-cigarettes: When it comes to health, none of these products is a good long-term solution. From a medical point of view , complete smoking cessation, which we discuss in more detail in the article on quitting strategies , is the method of choice. If you want to quit and need medical help to do so, Med-Healths has a doctor who can advise you on your options.
