Editor’s note: The following release is supplied by the Union County Health Department. The pharmacist listed in the release wished to only be identified by her first name.
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There are plenty of reasons why quitting tobacco and vape products can be hard. One of those reasons is certainly the impact of nicotine withdrawal.
At times, the restlessness, irritability and cravings some feel when trying to quit can seem worse than the long-term health impacts of smoking.
Nicotine replacement therapy, also called NRT, is a method used by physicians and tobacco treatment specialists to help patients manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and get closer to their smoke-free goal.
The Ohio Tobacco Quit Line provides an opportunity for Ohioans who want to quit smoking or vaping to try NRT products for free.
Ohio residents age 18 and older can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to be matched with a tobacco treatment coach.
Participants are able to try multiple types of NRT, such as lozenges or patches, while working with a quit line coach. Participants who remain in contact with their coach through scheduled calls can receive free NRT for up to eight weeks.
“Working with a Quit Line coach is a great option for individuals looking for a personalized quit journey with expert assistance. It’s free and it’s all done without having to travel to appointments. Even the nicotine replacement therapy is mailed straight to the individual’s door,” said Shawn Sech, tobacco treatment specialist and Director of Health Promotion and planning for the Union County Health Department.
Local pharmacies can also be a good resource for those trying to quit tobacco.
Many NRT products can be accessed over the counter at pharmacies and may be covered by insurance. Local pharmacists, like Sarah at Dave’s Pharmacy in Maryville, can also help answer questions about NRT and quitting tobacco.
“As a pharmacist, I have seen the devastating effects of smoking on individuals’ health firsthand – from respiratory issues to heart disease,” said Sarah, who has worked with clients using nicotine replacement therapy. “Every cigarette not smoked is a step toward a healthier you and a healthier future.”
“I had a patient who smoked a pack a day for over twenty years. He sought help when he found out he would become a grandpa. He wanted to protect his grandchild from the effects of second and third-hand smoke. He wanted to be a positive and healthy role model. And, he wanted to ensure he was healthy enough to be an active part of this grandchild’s life. He tried to quit a few times before and was hesitant to try again, but he knew he really wanted to try,” said Sarah.
After discussing some options with the patient, he chose to try NRT.
“He utilized nicotine patches initially and was able to cut down to half a pack a day after several weeks. Then he added in nicotine gum and was able to cut down to just a few cigarettes a day by the time his grandbaby was born. He found that the gum helped with his cravings and also gave him a sense of control and empowerment over his addiction,” said Sarah.
Sarah explained one size does not fit all during the quit journey, and it’s important to explore options for a healthier tomorrow.
“This individual is still working on his journey to be smoke-free but has already noticed significant improvements in his health. Not only is he breathing easier, but his sense of taste and smell have been restored, and he stated he had more energy and felt all around healthier. While not completely smoke-free yet, he has made remarkable progress and continues to strive toward his end goal of being smoke-free.”
If you need help quitting tobacco products and are not sure where to start, call the Ohio Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit https://ohio.quitlogix.org/en-US/. Or, talk with a local pharmacist, like those at Dave’s Pharmacy located at 411 W. Fifth St.