Quit smoking patches are used by many people each year to help them permanently stop smoking, which is a deadly habit that could cause cancer and a host of respiratory issues. These patches can conveniently be purchased over the counter, with no prescription. Given how effective they have been for many people in the past, a lot of state programs give them out for free in order to help people in their quests to quit smoking.

The patches are placed on the upper arm a couple of times a day; they contain nicotine in them. Their core function is to replace the nicotine that a smoker would usually get by smoking cigarettes. This is supposed to alleviate the smokers' cravings for more cigarettes. Many different brands of patches exist, and they all come in varying strengths. A doctor can help a smoker to decide which brand and strength of patch is best for him or her.

At this point, it should be noted that while the patches help people to stop smoking, there are many side effects that can result from using them. These include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vivid dreams, anxiety, and blurry vision. These symptoms will vary from person to person, but a smoker must think hard about whether or not this is the best treatment option for him or her given these side effects.

People should also take note that the patch is not to be used by women who are nursing. This is since the nicotine is distributed into the breast milk.

The patch only helps people to quit smoking. It does not address the mood swings and other issues that people face once they give up cigarettes. With this said, medications are currently being developed that can be used in conjunction with the patch to address the emotional aspects of quitting smoking in addition to the physical ones.

In addition to using medications in conjunction with patches, some people also find it very help to undergo hypnosis along with using the patch in order to stop smoking forever. Hypnosis, just like certain medications, addresses the emotional issues that the patch does not take care of. The positives of using hypnosis as well include that on top of addressing emotional issues that result from quitting smoking, it alleviates stress and it also gets to the root of the smoking habit. The bottom line is that the patch is most effective when used in combination with medication or hypnosis.

Last but not least, a smoker should never use patches when he or she is smoking. Doing this can cause a person to have a nicotine overdose, which can be quite serious. Smokers should also even refrain from smoking several hours before of after using the patch just to take proper precautions.

Patches could be found at drugstores, supermarkets, and federal agencies. They are quite expensive. Low income individuals may qualify to get them for free upon conducting research.

In conclusion, quit smoking patches are used to help people quit the deadly habit of smoking. They are available in different brands, and they vary in strength. They are most effective when used in combination with medication or hypnosis. While they are very expensive overall, low income people may qualify to get them for free.