The Nicoderm Patch is a brand name form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Nicotine patches have been around for a long time and been used successfully and unsuccessfully by smokers over the years. The transdermal patch is designed, like other NRTs, to provide the smoker with an infusion of nicotine into the bloodstream. In theory, it should alleviate many of the withdrawal side-effects.
The absorption of nicotine through the skin maintains levels of nicotine that are very similar to smoking. The patch is often used when other forms of NRT has failed. It can also be used in combination with other stop smoking methods.
Many people try to use a form of NRT and relapse. Perhaps they weren’t ready for the onslaught of withdrawal cravings or perhaps they never changed their behavioral cues. Maybe they always smoke with that morning cup of coffee and they just never figured out that to stop smoking successfully, they should stop the morning ritual of coffee and tobacco. Sometimes, relapsing smokers don’t establish a network of non-smoking coaches they can call when the cravings become challenging. But whatever the reason for the relapse, seldom will the person be able to stop a next time by using the same NRT. It just doesn’t happen very often.
Support groups are very beneficial for those trying to quit using the nicotine patch. The success rate becomes much higher when this method is used in conjunction with Nicoderm, or rather, the patch. The patch can also be used with other NRTs but should only be done under the direction of a physician. This is called combination therapy.
I met a former smoker who used the Nicoderm patch to quit smoking. He tried it for about 2 months and became very frustrated. He tried using the patch every which way. He had them on his legs, his arms, just about everywhere. He was not successful and here’s the reason why. He said he wasn’t really ready to stop smoking. But because the patch was available without a prescription, he gave it a try.
Two years later, he finally quit. He said that he finally saw smoking for what it was, and didn’t want anything to do with it. Again, the stories of successful quitters are very similar. "The reason" is what seems to matter most. The method is secondary. However, the method can still make an impact. For example, this person who tried the Nicoderm patch couldn’t quit cold turkey, despite his decision. He still needed a stop smoking aid.
The key is to match your personality and addiction with your selected quit method. Once this is figured out, quitting becomes a more natural process. It doesn’t make it easy, just a little simpler is all.
