Access to patch could reduce smoking epidemic

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The nicotine patch is now more easy to get. As of June 1, the little strips which help lessen the craving for nicotine in people trying to quit smoking, were made available over the pharmacy counter without a prescription.

With smoking being a leading cause of death and after a recent survey pointed to an epidemic of smokers in Native populations, the better access to the patch could be good news for those looking to kick the habit.

One problem with the patch, however is that it is not included as a medical exemption for Aboriginal people, and despite an almost 50 per cent reduction in the price of the patches, pharmacists at several First Nations across the province aren't too sure if people will want to fork over $30 to $40 for a two-week supply of the patches.

Pharmacies contacted said so far the demand for the patch - at a cheaper price and without a prescription - is still low, and in some cases, nil.

Bonnie Fox McIntyre, with Health Canada, said the patch has been proven to be effective, but works best when used with a stop-smoking program.

Kelly White with the Alberta Lung Association agrees.

She said the improved access to the patch is good news for people trying to butt out, but it's not necessarily the only solution.

"Our research has shown that the most effective way to quit is to combine the patch with a behavioral modification program," she said.

The patch helps to curb the nicotine withdrawal, but it is the physical habit of smoking - in particular, what to do with your hands - which trips many people up, she said.

So far, the patch, along with nicotine gum and behavioral modification programs are the only proven methods supported by the lung association. Laser, hypnosis and acupuncture techniques, although not proven, may work for some, however, said White.

"If it works for you, then it's great," she said.

The lung association has several quit-smoking programs operating throughout Alberta. It also has pamphlets and information on the dangers of smoking.

So far, four brands of the nicotine patch have become available without prescription.

Habitrol, Prostep, Nicoderm and Nicotrol are now available behind the pharmacy counter at all drug outlets, including First Nation health centres.

According to the study, which found smoking to be epidemic among Aboriginal people, 62 per cent of 10,000 First Nation and Inuit people surveyed were smokers.

The survey, sponsored by the Chiefs of Ontario, found that the average age of Aboriginal people to begin smoking is 11.

Of the people surveyed who were between 20 and 24 years old, 75 per cent were smokers. The study also identified that while the non-Aboriginal population is seeing a reduction in people smoking, the Native population is showing a large increase.