Alternative Methods of Quitting Smoking

So you've made the decision to quit and the big day is drawing nearer. You're absolutely determined to stop smoking - but how are you going to do it? For most people the choice is between going cold turkey or using NRT products.

There is no 'right' way to quit smoking so you’ll need to find the best way for you, and this may take more than one attempt. One thing that is true of all programs and products designed to help you quit is that you still need to use your own determination and be prepared to work at quitting for good. Medications can provide support for you in the early days but only you can be responsible for making sure you succeed.

Þ    Cold Turkey

Some smokers decide to go 'cold turkey' and rely solely on their willpower to quit. It's likely the first few weeks will be extremely tough if you opt for this tactic but it does mean you don't have to adjust to life without medication or NRT further down the line. Unlike other methods it is completely free of charge.

Unfortunately statistics show that going cold turkey is one of the least effective ways to stop smoking. For every 100 smokers who quit without any aid or counseling only 10 remain non-smokers for 12 months.

Þ    Professional Help

Your doctor may be able to give you some advice, booklets, helpline numbers or support group contacts if you consult them about giving up smoking. There is nothing to stop you from combining this advice with any other techniques and treatments.  In fact, it could help make your first attempt successful.

Þ    Acupuncture and Hypnosis

Techniques such as acupuncture and hypnosis have helped some smokers to quit, with few, if any, side effects. However there is no conclusive evidence that either technique is any more effective than quitting by going cold turkey.

As with any treatment it is important to be cautious of claims of high success rates.  Studies show that even the most effective quitting programs rarely achieve a success rate of more than 30%.

Þ    Herbal Cigarettes

These are not recommended as an aid to giving up smoking because, despite sounding healthier or natural, they still produce both tar and carbon monoxide. Some brands have a tar content equivalent to regular cigarettes and their use only reinforces the habit of smoking, which smokers need to conquer.

Þ    Clinics and Self-Help Groups

If you are motivated to quit smoking you may benefit from a clinic or support group aimed at helping you to do so; you should however be cautious of claims of high success rates made by some private clinics. Studies show that you are up to 4 times more likely to quit successfully if you attend a specialist smoker’s clinic or group than by using willpower alone so this could be a good option to try out.