Testing kits for smoking and tobacco based products are often used by employers and insurance companies to gain an accurate assessment of a person’s health risks. Tobacco and nicotine products are not only hazardous to the person using them, but to anyone who is exposed to their second-hand smoke.
Why Insurance Companies Test For Nicotine
Many insurance companies request their potential clients to undergo a physical assessment before accepting them for coverage. While health insurance companies are a likely to perform this testing, life insurance companies will without a doubt. Life insurance companies will perform either blood or urine nicotine test and if you test positive you will be subjected to higher insurance premiums. This is due to the fact that smoking identifies you as a high risk for health problems and disease related to your smoking which will likely cost you more to obtain both the health and life insurance coverage you desire.
Why Employers Test for Nicotine
It is your right as an adult to choose to smoke and your employer may not discriminate against you for being a smoker, however they are able to test you to calculate your monthly health insurance premiums. Many companies require their employees who smoke and use nicotine to pay more for their health insurance premiums than non-smokers. This is because many companies feel it is unfair for non-smokers to pay the same premiums as smokers.
How is Nicotine and Tobacco Testing Performed?
Urine and blood testing are the most popular methods used to test for tobacco levels. Home nicotine test can be purchased online to test for nicotine in urine. These tests deliver a fast response and have accuracy levels that are comparable to those of lab testing.
There are many scenarios in which home nicotine testing comes in handy. If you are a parent who is concerned that your child is smoking you can easily identify their unhealthy habit with a home nicotine test. The sooner you identify their habit, the sooner you can attempt to resolve their unhealthy behaviour.
Insurance companies often use these quick lab-free tests to help determine their separate rates for smokers and non-smokers. The same is true for employers who use these quick result nicotine test kits.
Tips for Quitting Smoking and Nicotine
Quitting smoking and nicotine products can be an incredibly difficult challenge. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it’s certainly achievable. Here are some helpful tips if you’re ready to kick the habit:
1. Get rid of all tobacco products. Remove any cigarettes, vapes, chewing tobacco or other nicotine products from your home, car and workplace. By eliminating access, you reduce moments of temptation.
2. Tell loved ones you’re quitting. Let your friends and family know about your goal to quit. Their support and encouragement can provide vital motivation when cravings strike. You could even ask a loved one to be your quit buddy.
3. Identify your triggers. What situations make you crave nicotine the most? Driving? Drinking coffee? Socializing? Knowing your triggers allows you to have a plan for dealing with them.
4. Try nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine gums, lozenges and patches can double your chances of quitting successfully by weaning you off nicotine slowly. Consult your doctor first.
5. Get active. Exercise is a great way to manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It causes your brain to release mood-boosting chemicals while distracting you from urges.
6. Practice relaxation techniques. When a craving hits, try taking some deep breaths, meditating, or doing light yoga. These can help short-circuit the craving before it intensifies.
7. Consider medication. Prescriptions like Chantix (varenicline) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) can reduce cravings and block the effects of nicotine if you slip up.
8. Join a support group. Whether online or in-person, connecting with others trying to quit smoking can provide pivotal moral support, tips and accountability.
9. Use positive self-talk. The cravings will eventually pass whether you smoke or not. Talk yourself through it positively: “I’ve got this. This feeling is temporary.”
10. Celebrate milestones. Staying smoke-free is an incredible achievement! Treat yourself to something nice after passing 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months, etc. Rewarding progress reinforces success.
Quitting smoking is undoubtedly challenging, but prioritizing your health is so worthwhile. Take it one day at a time, and rely on support systems to help you make it through the tough moments. You’ve got this!
Photo: “Nicotine and Tobacco Testing Kits” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
