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Nicotine supplements have been around for several years now, and are a safe and healthier way for people to quit smoking without going cold turkey.
There are various different kinds on the market, ranging from nicotine inhalators (small plastic inhalers which release nicotine via cartridges), nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and nicotine lozenges.
All of them are effective ways of fighting off cravings and making the quitting process all the more easier.
One other option, albeit a less common one, are nicotine toothpicks. These contain very small doses of nicotine, and only last for a short amount of time, but they are a great way to fight the cravings on the go, and in a subtle manner.
Why Do We Need Help?
Non-smokers who have never experienced addiction might wonder why it is so difficult to just quit cold turkey, but be assured it is harder than you might think.
There are several reasons why smokers find it difficult, ranging from addiction, the routine, the sensation, and many more.
The Routine
With the advent of the smoking ban, wherein people can no longer smoke in most public indoor venues, many people factor in smoking breaks into their daily routine.
This could mean going outside for a smoke whilst on their lunch break, or it could be a cigarette on the porch with your morning coffee.
Whatever the reason, it becomes an integral part of the smoker’s day, and as such it can be difficult to break the patterns established by the brain.
Addiction
Obviously the main factor in quitting smoking is overcoming the addictive nature of nicotine.
This stems from the release of dopamine (the feel good hormone) in our brains, meaning we associate a cigarette with pleasurable rewards.
Long term smoking also rewrites the brain chemistry in small ways, with your brain compensating for the smoke, lack of oxygen, and regular buzz, and adapting it into the way it functions.
This makes it all the more hard to break this pattern once addiction has set in, and denying your brain of the nicotine it now openly accepts can lead to irritability, mood swings, nausea, and lack of energy, making the quitting process extremely difficult.
Physical Behaviors
To a lesser extent, there is also the impact quitting smoking has on physical behavioral patterns.
It perhaps sounds hard to believe, but many long term smokers miss having something to do with their hands after they quit.
This is why many supplements, like toothpicks and inhalators, come in the shape of a cigarette, allowing for the continuation of these little personal behavioral tics, and alleviating some of the noticeable strain of quitting.
This stems from the idea of fidgeting, and having something to occupy your hands.
When you have gotten used to rolling, holding and smoking cigarettes when bored or anxious, the absence of them can prove irritating and unsettling to long term smokers, adding to their anxiety and discomfort.
Nicotine Toothpicks
Nicotine toothpicks have been around since 1993, and have been a popular choice for quitting smoking ever since.
FDA registered and widely available in the US and abroad, the toothpicks are available in a variety of different flavors, the most common of which being cinnamon, adding a distracting taste in your mouth whilst supplying you with a small dose of nicotine to help you get by.
This is a great idea, because the different flavor will help rewrite your brain, associating that same nicotine pleasure with other flavors, and away from the smell and taste of cigarettes and tobacco.
Not included in the PACT act, nor covered by the US Postal Service delivery ban, they are a great alternative to vaping and other nicotine products which can be hard to come by in rural or remote areas where stores or delivery outlets aren’t an option.
The Benefits
Aside from being healthy, there are other benefits to choosing nicotine toothpicks.
Unlike smoking and vaping, there are no laws surrounding nicotine supplement products that say you cannot use them indoors.
This means smoke breaks are a thing of the past, as is standing in the boiling sun, pouring rain, or freezing cold of the night while everyone else is indoors having fun.
Whether at work or out with friends, nicotine toothpicks and related products mean that you never have to miss out on those important moments ever again, and giving you back time otherwise wasted.
Where To Buy Them
There are several main stockists online, the most popular of which is perhaps Zippix, who offer purchase and shipping through their company website.
There are also a wide range of nicotine toothpicks and associated products on Amazon.com, allowing for easy order and delivery at a reasonable retail price.
You might also strike it lucky in your nearest drug store, although through my investigations, you won’t find nicotine toothpicks stocked at your local Walgreens, meaning online options might be the easiest and least time consuming option.
They do however have a wide array of nicotine products available both in store and online, including lozenges, nicotine gum, and a variety of patches to help you curb your cravings and ease the quitting process.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about nicotine toothpicks, their benefits, and where to find them for purchase.
Quitting smoking can be a difficult process for many, seemingly a unique experience to the individual, which is why there are so many options on the market to choose from.
However, if you are struggling and feel like you need extra help to quit, there are support groups and meetings available to give you moral support, point you in the direction of helpful and useful products, and to have your back during the battle against cravings.
Why not think about quitting today, and see what works best for you?
