What is the role of e-cigarettes in quitting smoking?
The usefulness of e-cigarettes which are more popularly known as vaping devices, in helping people quit smoking has been a subject of discussion.According to reviews conducted by the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group, nicotine-based e-cigarettes may really help smokers quit. In contrast to conventional nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like gum or patches, e-cigarettes containing nicotine were found to boost the rate of cessation.
The potential effectiveness of e-cigarettes comes from their capacity to deliver nicotine without the toxic substances and hazardous tar present in regular cigarettes.
Varenicline: Does it help in quitting?
Apart from e-cigarettes, varenicline, which is marketed under the trade name Chantix, is a prescription drug that is quite successful in helping smokers quit. It specifically targets nicotine receptors in the brain. Varenicline lessens the pleasure associated with smoking while also lessening the symptoms associated with withdrawal. When used in line with behavioural support, varenicline has demonstrated great success rates, as per research published in the journal Addiction. However, do not consume any kind of medication without consulting a doctor about it.
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Cytisine: Is it a natural option for quitting?
Another plant-based substance that has shown promise in helping people stop smoking is cytisine, which is used in central and eastern Europe. Cytisine is sold over the counter in Canada and some other countries. It helps and lessens the need for nicotine like that of varenicline. Cytisine’s natural procurement makes it special, making it appealing to people searching for plant-based substitutes.
The likelihood of successfully stopping smoking can be greatly increased when paired with behavioural help. Again, you should always see a doctor before using any natural health product, even though it is available with a prescription in some locations.
Having a sense of control over our behaviour and NRT
While varenicline, cytisine, and e-cigarettes are excellent choices, they function best in conjunction with behavioural support services like therapy. Individual or group counselling sessions help a lot of smokers quit by providing them with support and encouragement. These kinds of programs provide people with practical methods and emotional support to help them manage their journey toward quitting.
NRT, which comes in the form of patches, or gum, is another useful tool for stopping smoking. Recent reviews have shown that success rates are increased when long-acting NRT (such as patches) is combined with fast-acting versions (such as gum). Compared to taking a single kind of NRT, the Cochrane study indicated that this combined method assisted more persons in quitting smoking.
