How To Quit Smoking

Smoking cessation (or quitting smoking) is the action leading towards the discontinuation of the consumption of a smoked substance, mainly tobacco, but it may encompass cannabis and other substances as well.

Smoking certain substances can be addictive. This encompasses both psychological and biological addiction.

For tobacco, nicotine-based therapies, certain medications like buproprion, and psychological and behavioral therapy are frequently used to improve success rates of cessation if substance withdrawal is not effective in ending an addiction.

Research in Western countries has found that approximately 3-5% of quit attempts succeed using willpower alone.

The British Medical Journal and others have reviewed the evidence regarding which methods are most effective for smokers interested in breaking free of the smoking habit, and concluded that nicotine dependence is most effectively treated with a combination of drugs and specialist behavioural support.

An even better chance of success can be obtained by combining medication and psychological support. Medication or pharmacological quitting-aids that have shown evidence of effectiveness in clinical trials include medical nicotine replacement patches or gum, the tricyclic anti-depressant nortriptyline, bupropion (Zyban, or Quomem in some countries), and the nicotinic partial agonist, varenicline (Chantix in the U.S. and Champix elsewhere).

Smoking cessation services, which offer group or individual therapy can help people who want to quit. Some smoking cessation programs employ a combination of coaching, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacological counseling.

Few smokers are successful with their very first attempt. Many smokers find it difficult to quit, even in the face of serious smoking-related disease in themselves or close family members or friends.

A serious commitment to arresting dependency upon nicotine is essential. The typical effort of a person that finally succeeds is the seventh to fifteenth try.

Each attempt is a learning experience that moves them that much closer to their goal of eventual permanent freedom from smoking