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Study reveals 3 ways you can successfully quit smoking cigarettes
Cigarettes are the leading cause of several critical illnesses, yet people addicted to the substance find it extremely hard to quit.
As with anybody addicted to cigarettes, I struggled to move away from the filthy habit. However, turning to other healthy distractions helped me quit smoking. Personal experience has taught me that quitting can be especially hard without support, which the below study on addiction echoes.
Study reveals 3 strategies to quit smoking successfully
The Society For The Study of Addiction has identified three evidence-based strategies that increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking.
The suggested methods are more effective when combined with counseling, as a significant number of smokers tend to resume the dangerous habit after stopping for a period. Three top strategies for quitting smoking include:
- Varenicline – is a prescription drug sold by brands Chantix�and�Champix�among others, which acts as a nicotine receptor by getting in the way of the substance to your brain, thus making you enjoy it less.
- Cytisine is a plant-based compound available in the UK under prescription and over-the-counter drugs in Canada. It’s also available throughout central and eastern Europe.
- Nicotine e-cigarettes – also known as vapes come in different sizes and shapes. Even though the cigarette alternative may be effective in helping one quit smoking, it can still cause nicotine addiction.
Behavioral counseling is as important
Even though the above-listed strategies contribute to your goal of quitting smoking, you’re likely to succeed when they are combined with behavioral support, such as counseling.
The study further highlights the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy patches when combined with alternatives like gum. “There is strong evidence to support behavioral counseling and financial incentives for smoking cessation, even without additional medication,” EurekAlert states.
Nicotine addiction is a growing concern, especially among youngsters, who are increasingly using oral nicotine pouches disguised as mints. While health experts are worried that the substance can act as a gateway to other addictions, the fact that most parents can’t identify it only adds to the problem.
The lead author of the study that recommends the “three top ways” to quit smoking, �Dr Jonathan Livingstone-Banks says: “Quitting smoking is difficult, and some people find it harder to quit than others, but tobacco is uniquely deadly among legal consumer products, so its important to seek help quitting.”
