strength, and gradually wean themselves onto a lower strength. From Public Health England( who conclude vaping is 95 % safer than smoking) to the Royal College of Physicians( who say e-cigarettes are likely to be beneficial to UK public health), there is a very convincing case to be made that vaping is one of the most effective, safest methods of quitting smoking.
Varenicline / Champix
Available on prescription-only, in tablet form for a treatment period of 3 months, you take either 1 or 2 tablets daily. Champix reduces your craving for a cigarette by blocking the rewarding effects of smoking.
Bupropion( Zyban)
Originally used to treat depression, thus prescriptiononly drug curbs addictive behaviour. It is recommended that treatment lasts a few months, to prepare you for weaning yourself off these daily tablets.
Each of these methods may have side effects, which is why we recommend( again) that your doctor be the first port of call in your journey to quit smoking.
Stuffing a handkerchief in your mouth whenever you get a craving.
Not the most practical way, but it will stop you in
your tracks and you’ ll refrain from reaching out for a dreaded cigarette, because your mouth will already be full.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy( NRT)
Nicotine is the key reason that makes smoking addictive. NRT does what it says on the tin, in that it provides a nicotine substitute in the form of tablets, lozenges, chewing gum, skin patches, nasal and mouth sprays. For a quick nicotine hit on NRT try the gum or spray, which may be used to curb cravings quicker than if using patches. A 3-month programme is recommended by the NHS on NRT, after which a review will follow.
All jokes aside, it does get better, and the key is to take it one step, one day at a time.
If you’ ve quit smoking, we’ d love to know how you did it.
Please email us with # HOWIQUITSMOKING in the subject heading and your story may be featured in an upcoming issue. Do not underestimate the power of your words, which may be inspirational to someone struggling to give up smoking.
Kick Smoking- 5