Withdrawal symptoms are always uncomfortable, but sometimes cigarette alternatives can have their downsides. A vape or e-cigarette, for example, can be a hazard depending on when or where you choose to use it.
However, this gets resolved if you transition to smokeless NRTs like nicotine patches. The CDC explains that patches are waterproof and can be worn while bathing, showering, swimming, or soaking in a hot tub. This means that the smokeless NRT can be used alongside your other daily activities like walking, working, or even dancing!
This is only one of the many benefits of smokeless NRTs. Intrigued? Keep reading for more reasons to make the transition.
Convenient for travel
E-cigarettes and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have caused fire incidents in planes and airports more than 30 times over the past three years. They are thus allowed solely in carry-on baggage, and usage is banned on board.
This can be extremely stressful for smokers with shorter intervals of cravings. Smokeless NRTs are a safe and helpful alternative to mitigate withdrawal symptoms during long flights. It also helps that some smokeless NRT options like nicotine gum are classified as medicine and come with a prescription. This makes it easier to process its usage onboard to any authority figure.
Fewer lasting side effects
E-cigarettes are marketed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, consistent studies published in Respiratory Research have proven the numerous health downsides to e-cigarettes. As the nicotine vapor is absorbed through the lungs, this can stimulate respiratory irritation and coughing, as well as increased oxidative stress and arterial stiffness.
On the other hand, the nicotine of smokeless NRTs is often absorbed through the skin or gums, which lessens the stress on our respiratory organs. Prilla notes that nicotine pouches do have some side effects such as nausea, which is common for first-time users of any nicotine product, and hiccups or gum irritation. These are also common side effects of nicotine gums or lozenges which are taken orally and require saliva.
These side effects can lessen as you acclimate to the smokeless product and experiment with its placement in your mouth. E-cigarettes or vaping, however, will constantly irritate one’s respiratory system. The smoker will simply get used to the feeling until the damage becomes permanent.
Usage in public places
Parks, restaurants, and beaches across the country ban smoking in order to promote a healthier community. Smokeless NRTs are known for being discreet and won’t catch the eye of any curious locals. They are also easily disposed of in the trash, which makes for a very convenient way to mitigate public cravings.
This can be particularly critical in the workplace. Research in Medicine says a current smoker’s productivity loss is approximately 1.7-fold higher than that of a non-smoker. Smoke breaks take an average of 8 minutes per day, but with smokeless NRTs, an employee can continue hard at work while simultaneously staving off withdrawals.
Safer regulations
E-cigarettes have constantly been on the hot seat as they promote unhealthy habits among adults and youth. The longtime crackdown on Juul has only expanded in 2022, with the FDA rejecting its application to sell its e-cigarettes in the U.S. Today, it may be more sustainable to shift to the consistently medically-approved smokeless NRTs such as gums, pouches, or patches. These will almost certainly stay in popular production for a long time.
Smokeless NRTs certainly pose more benefits than e-cigarettes or vapes, but it’s important to remember that nicotine at any level can cause harm to the body in the long run. Supplement your usage of smokeless NRT products with natural detoxification methods as we’ve listed in Detox Nicotine From Your Body. This can be as simple as drinking water and exercising, and these small efforts can manifest in a smoother smokeless NRT experience.
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