How Do You Beat Nasal Spray Addiction?
Nasal congestion occurs when blood vessels in the nasal passages swell because of a cold, allergies or environmental irritation such as smoke or dust. Prescription nasal sprays or over-the-counter steroid sprays quickly clear this congestion, and the relief can prompt people to continue using sprays on a regular basis. This continued use leads to a dependency on the spray, because the person does not have a clear nose unless using the spray. Beating this dependency requires some willpower, because nasal passages will be stuffy for a few days or even a week or two, but certain behavioral changes can help. Throw out every nasal spray decongestant you have, so you can’t easily use one in a moment of weakness. People dependent on nasal spray commonly have more than one bottle, so you’ll need to get rid of any that you keep in your medicine cabinet, purse, car, desk at work, or locker at school. Understand the rebound effect. This involves nasal congestion becoming worse after you stop usin
