Comparing the best treatments to help you quit smoking

Everyone knows the risks associated with smoking, so why not stop for good? That being said, quitting smoking isn’t the easiest, and it often requires a lot of willpower.

Whether this is your first time quitting smoking or you have been in this position before, we have compiled a list of stopping smoking treatments for you to compare that will help you with your journey.

What is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)?

Most people don’t pick up a cigarette because they like how it tastes; they pick up a cigarette because they are addicted to the nicotine in them.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps you to quit smoking by providing you with a small amount of nicotine, which helps to curb your cravings. NRT is a much safer alternative to cigarettes as they are free from the poisonous chemicals that can be found in tobacco smoke.

There are many NRT products to choose from, such as inhalators and sprays, gums and lozenges, and nicotine patches and tablets.

What are inhalators and sprays for stopping smoking?

• Inhalators and sprays can control sudden nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Inhalators can help keep your hands busy and mimic the action of smoking.
• Each inhalator usually provides you with 20 minutes of puffing.
• Stopping smoking sprays are available in different flavours.
• One to two sprays are recommended every 30 minutes.
• Less nicotine is released from a puff of an inhalator than a drag of a cigarette, so it might be necessary to inhale more often than when smoking.

What are stop smoking nicotine gum and lozenges?

• Gum often comes in a refreshing, minty flavour.
• You can easily slip gum or lozenges into a bag or draw so they are readily available whenever your cravings hit.
• Gum can be used every two hours by itself to control nicotine cravings.
• Nicotine lozenges can be used every one to two hours to control nicotine cravings.
• Lozenges and gum are discreet options for quitting smoking.

What are nicotine patches?

• Nicotine patches can control cravings throughout the day.
• They provide a steady level of nicotine.
• Patches are available in 24-hour patches and 16-hour patches.
• The patches are ideal for anyone who wakes up in the middle of the night craving a cigarette.
• They are ideal for breaking the body language associated with smoking a cigarette.
• Patches are an excellent choice for when you cannot smoke, such as on a flight or in a meeting.

Prescription tablets to help you stop smoking

If you have tried over-the-counter (OTC) stopping smoking aids and they have been unsuccessful, then you might want to consider prescription medications to help you.