Aside from losing weight, another popular New Year's resolution is to quit smoking, with over 7 percent of smokers who showed desire to quit the bad habit. It is most appropriate to change old lifestyles including smoking because it carries one of the risk factors for severe illness from COVID-19. The new year is also the perfect time to start a new habit.
Fortunately, there are several scientifically proven methods to quit smoking, with over a million people who have already achieved successful results. The American Lung Association and an article in ScienceAlert have listed some ways for those looking to quit smoking this year.
Enroll in Tobacco Counseling Program
Studies show that smokers are less likely to be successful in their journey to quit smoking if they are doing it alone. The American Lung Association recommends joining a tobacco counseling program, such as the Freedom From Smoking®, to increase chances of success by up to 60% when combined with medication.
People who join these programs have a higher chance of long-term quit rates. Counseling is also available from various healthcare professionals as well as from stop smoking advisers.
Remote Support Also Works
Last year was indeed a challenging year in which people were no longer allowed to meet each other face to face. That could also lead to the failure of the efforts of some in quitting their smoking habit. But according to studies, there is no difference between the support given face to face versus remotely to people who are trying to quit smoking.
For example, counseling delivered via telephone or video calls have also a similar effect to a face to face counseling. Also, there is growing evidence that stops smoking support via text messages can increase quit rates.
ALSO READ: Around 50,000 People in England Were Able to Quit Smoking, Thanks to E-cigarettes
Seek Professional Help For Quit Smoking Medications
When opting to take medication to quit smoking, it is best to ask a doctor for a proper prescription. The FDA has listed seven approved quit smoking medications that can help people quit smoking just simply follow the directions and use them for the full duration as prescribed by the doctor.
Varenicline or also known as Champix or Chantix, an FDA-approved medication for smoking cessation that works by reducing the pleasure derived from smoking and eases withdrawal symptoms. Studies suggest that this medicine doubles the success rate of long-term quitting.
Medication and Behavioral Support Combo
Although behavioral counseling surely helps, adding medication also helps. According to studies, this method increases the quit rates more than just using either one of the quit smoking methods. For the best shot, science recommends trying medication and behavioral combo.
Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been in use for many years by people who plan to quit smoking. Healthcare professionals may prescribe NRT although in many countries it is available to buy in groceries and pharmacies even without a prescription.
There has been evidence already of the NRT's effectiveness in smoking cessation as it increases the chances of quitting. NRT comes in many types, like gum, spray, patch, and lozenges.
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