Nicotine is what gets a lot of people addicted to smoking. It’s also what you crave when trying to give up.
The good news is that nicotine isn’t the cause of illnesses like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. It's the tar and toxins in tobacco smoke that do the most harm.
In Aoteaora, you can get access to a range of nicotine replacement products (NRT):
- gum
- patches
- lozenges
- inhalator
- mouth spray
Patches, gum and lozenges are currently subsidised through a Quit Coach or your GP, but if you’d prefer another product you can buy them at a pharmacy.
When to use nicotine patches
Nicotine patches helps for those ongoing cravings. Some people only put patches on when they want a cigarette. Patches release nicotine slowly, so you won't get the same quick hit as a cigarette.
Patches need to stay on day and night. You can start using a patch a week before you quit cigarettes to get used to them. You might find yourself needing fewer cigarettes that week.
Don't worry about using the patch and smoking at the same time. You're very unlikely to overdose on nicotine.
When to use nicotine gum
Nicotine gum is not regular chewing gum and the first taste isn’t great! Once you get the hang of it just a bit though, you’ll find that it really helps in your battle to reduce the cravings.
Get free nicotine replacements and support with a Quit Coach
Register for a Quit Coach in 1 min
Register for Quitline in just 1 minute
Pharmacies with quit smoking support
Some pharmacies can provide funded Nicotine Replacement Therapy without a prescription. This may include nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges. They may also be able to refer you to a local stop smoking service or Quitline.
Find a pharmacy with quit smoking services