How to give up smoking?
'Cutting Down'
Although smoking less is obviously better than doing nothing, it is not a recommended strategy for giving up. It is thought that having fewer cigarettes encourages smokers to smoke more 'aggressively' in order to take in the same level of nicotine.How to Stop Smoking
Medications
NRT and Zyban are the only medications that have been shown to be safe and effective in assisting smokers to stop, and can be prescribed by a doctor. Zyban (also known as bupropion) is an anti-depressant prescription-only drug that helps people give up smoking. Clinical trials have found that smokers taking nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or bupropion are around twice as likely to succeed in giving up smoking compared to those taking a placebo, and three times as likely as those using will power alone. It is believed that the drugs work by altering two of the brain chemicals involved in addiction and withdrawal (dopamine and noradrenaline).Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Numerous studies have shown that those using nicotine replacement products are twice as likely to succeed in giving up smoking as those relying on willpower alone. They work by helping to relieve the symptoms of tobacco withdrawal such as craving, irritability and anxiety. Nicotine replacements are available as patches, gum, sub-lingual tablets, nasal sprays, inhalers and lozenges. The different doses and delivery mechanisms of these products means that it is likely that every smoker will be able to find a nicotine replacement which can address their level of addiction and pattern of use.Behavioural Support
According to the WHO the relapse rates of smokers making unassisted attempts to stop smoking are comparable to those of persons stopping heroin use. That would suggest that will power alone is not very effective. Results improve however where the smoker receives support from a specially trained therapist. The NHS has now set up smoking cessation clinics staffed by trained specialists across the country offering either one-to-one support or help in a group. Most smokers coming to these services would also be prescribed NRT or Zyban to increase their chance of quitting permanently.In addition to the NHS treatment services, there are also various charitable organisations, help lines and support groups such as QUITLINE, the NHS Stop Smoking help line and the Together group. Other approaches that have been tried include hypnosis and acupuncture. However there is not currently any scientific evidence to show that these methods are superior to a placebo.
