can you cut patches?

[KatNL]

I quit suddenly without a plan. (two weeks and counting) Just put on the lowest level patch and stopped smoking. So Im wondering if you can cut patches to wean off that last bit (when Im ready) or if I should start wearing them for a shorter and shorter time? The withdrawl I felt from smoking a lot to the lowest patch was pretty darned intense.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hey KatNL - I am not familiar with the patches so cannot advise but maybe if you check with a pharmacist about the best way to wean yourself off them.

Have belief in yourself Kat, you are doing great and are not smoking. Embrace this wonderful new life. The cravings only last a few minutes at the most. Research some breathing techniques to help you through these and purchase a fruit juicer bottle, it will be a lifesaver for intense cravings at the start. I bought one and sliced lemon, mint and cucumber every morning and topped it up with ice cold water throughout the day. Addicted to it still, over 3 years on!

google.com/imgres?imgurl=ht...

Should be able to get one in any supermarket.....

[KatNL 6 Months Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to take it. I have quit smoking, Something, that does have pleasure in it for most people who do it. I can't tolerate the idea of being chained to a plastic nicotine patch. I asked a friend Sunday night how they quit using the patch...they quit smoking two years ago. And they shifted around in their chair and told me they are still on it. And are afraid to take it off. So, a little belatedly, Im going to make a plan. Right into production for the newspaper this week so very busy, which is good. Thanks for listening. I've been making fruit smoothies and cutting down coffee. The juicer bottle sounds interesting. I wonder if we have them here. I like this group because not only is it supportive, but I get to hear and learn ordinary things about Britain, Ireland and Scotland. I guess I should say I live on the island of Newfoundland, which is part of Canada, but not really.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to KatNL]

I am from Ireland, there is a few members here from Canada, can only think of Hidden at the moment - haven't heard from her in a while though. You could try to purchase the bottle on Amazon as they have everything and deliver worldwide at reasonable prices. I done a professional cookery course there a few years ago and we done a module on food nutrition, the fruit smoothies when blended produce all the sugar when it is broken down so would be better of eating the fruit whole as sugary foods contribute big time to cravings but if you like them, go ahead, better than sweets and chocolate 🍭🍬🍫🍩🍏🍊🍋🍌🍇🍓

PS Looked up Newfoundland there, it looks so beautiful

[Mummymonster 100 Days Smoke Free in reply to KatNL]

Hi Kat, I should think that it will be less of a step this time, because you've already blasted lots of associations. I stopped once using patches, but then thought I would buy 1 pack of nicotine lozenges, as I stopped the patchesand I was still on them after I'd started smoking again, but they do a mini thing which might be better, lozenges are like big sweets but the mini might seem more medicinal. What is good about patches, I think is that you don't get those cyclical craves, so you can forget about smoking, but the other Nrt recreates it.

The important thing is that you are already planning and I am sure that will stand you in good stead

Mmx

[Louiseb17 2 Years Smoke Free]

I found that i just woke up one morning (after 6 or 7 weeks) and just didn’t put one on and I didn’t notice until the next morning so do what feels right for you and you will know when you get to that stage 😀

[KatNL 6 Months Smoke Free in reply to Louiseb17]

Thanks, good to hear