Is there really a "best way" to quit smoking?

2:10 PM, Feb 19, 2018

9:49 AM, Dec 12, 2018

If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco, you might be wondering if there’s really a best way to quit smoking.

There are four methods people typically use to quit:

1. Cold turkey

2. Nicotine replacement therapy only

3. Counseling support only

4. Counseling support + nicotine replacement therapy

There are benefits and challenges of each. There is also no right or wrong way to quit. No matter which one you choose, the fact that you’re taking the first step to quit is what’s important.

Quitting cold turkey

What it is: Deciding to stop all nicotine at once

Success rate: Very limited¹

This is the classic method for quitting that you’ve probably tried at least once. People have different methods for going cold turkey, but the basic idea is that you decide when you’re going to quit tobacco, and stop using any more from that point forward. Some people prefer this method because you can start at any time, but it’s the hardest method to stick to.

Benefits:

• You can choose to quit at any moment.

• No cost. Since you’re not using any aids to quit, there’s no cost to you, plus you can save the money that you would have spent on tobacco.

Challenges:

• High rate of relapse. Studies have shown that only 3-5% of cold turkey quitters are successful.1

• Can be stressful because it requires a lot of willpower to accomplish.

• Higher chance of severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

• Feelings of failure.

Nicotine replacement therapy only

What it is: Quitting with the help of medications that contain nicotine

Success rate: Varies

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the general name for medications that help you quit tobacco, like nicotine gum, patches, orlozengesas well as prescriptions like Chantix, Zyban (Wellbutrin), nicotine inhalers and nicotine nasal spray. The main benefit of NRTs is that they can help reduce your nicotine withdrawal symptoms while you quit. When you work with a Quit Coach through ASHLine, may be eligible to receive four weeks of free NRTs.*

Benefits

• Helps you manage your nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

• Delivers “clean” nicotine. NRTs give you nicotine without the other harmful chemicals like tar, formaldehyde and more that are typically in tobacco products.

Challenges

• May have a cost. If you don’t have health insurance or if NRTs are not covered under your policy, then you may have to pay out of pocket. The average 6-week treatment can cost $80-$200.

• Still requires effort.

• Important to follow dosage.

Is there really a "best way" to quit smoking?

<span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Sources</span></span></span>

<span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">1. Hughes, J, et al. “Shape of the relapse curve and long-term abstinence rates among untreated smokers,” Addiction, 99, 29-38, 2004.</span></span></span>

<span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">2. Knox, Becca. “Quitlines help smokers quit.” 6 April 2017. https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0326.pdf</span></span></span>

Record and watch live TV, subscription-free with Tablo