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SMOKinG: paRt 2 OF 5
You know about smoking as a damaging addiction. You understand something about your own relationship
with tobacco. You have set yourself a target for the next 10 weeks.
So let's consider hOW you are going to quit. There are many ways to improve your chances of success.
REPLACING NICOTINE
The basic idea is to provide nicotine in a gentler more even manner so as to reduce craving but avoid the
"buzz" of smoking. In addition, there is no tar and no carbon monoxide (these substances do most of the
damage caused by smoking).
optionS include:
• Chewing gum
• Nasal sprays
• Skin patches
• Inhalers
• E-cigarettes
In each case the aim is to gradually reduce the dose used, and then to quit altogether. The time taken to
achieve this is very variable and some people actually remain on these nicotine products for years and
years (not ideal but still better than smoking).
Using nicotine replacement roughly doubles your chances of successfully quitting.
REDUCING ThE CRAVING
There are non-nicotine options too. Bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban) is often used
to reduce cigarette cravings even though its exact mechanism of action is not
understood. Originally used as an antidepressant, it is now exclusively used to
aid smokers. You usually start Zyban 2-3 weeks before quitting and can continue
for between 3 and 6 months. You can use Zyban and nicotine replacement
together.
Using Zyban roughly doubles your chances of successfully quitting.
