Quitting cigarette use is inarguably one of the best decisions you can make in your life, but the road to recovery is not exceptionally easy. Although you can definitely quit cold turkey (so to speak), the tantalizing pull towards your little poison sticks is always causing you pain. During withdrawal, you can’t seem to get enough sleep and are always fidgeting. In the end, you decide to take up nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), a program that gradually weans you off nicotine to the point that detox becomes more tolerable. However, for certain people, NRT can only stimulate a different kind of addiction. Let’s take a closer look at a bizarre example of the dangers of nicotine gum.
Hurts so Bad
Keep in mind that, while cigarettes are ten times more dangerous than nicotine, nicotine (all by itself) is not a particularly harmful substance. However, some medical professionals have debated that this stimulant may trigger certain forms of cancer (up for speculation). Being a stimulant, nicotine does put an unnatural amount of stress on the heart and causes blood pressure to skyrocket. Later, nicotine can stimulate plaque buildup in the arteries, a cause for hyperglycemia.
No Happiness Here
Although the amount of nicotine contained in nicotine gum is nowhere near as powerful as the quantities in cigarettes, keep in mind that NRT does involve “tapering off” the drug. Although you are using smaller amounts each day, nicotine is still present in your body. In this sense, you are still feeding your addiction.
Are NRTs Safe?
For those of you who have not yet tried NRTs, we recommend using extreme caution when you take part in these programs. At some points, you will be taking several doses per day (with the exception of the nicotine patch, which is only applied once a day). These programs are exceptionally helpful but still contain nicotine.
Seeking Treatment for Cigarette Use
Remember that addiction can be triggered by one shot of alcohol or a single puff of a cigarette, but the true danger of this sickness is that you cannot fully determine how much you have to consume before your mind forms an attachment. Social smoking is just as dangerous as chronic smoking, on many levels, but you do not have to smoke to have a good time. Remember, drugs cannot determine if you have fun and do not have control over your life.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug abuse or addiction or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
