How to stop smoking – from Allen Carr’s Easyway to nicotine gum and going cold turkey, your options for giving up cigarettes
Ditch the fags with our handy guide on kicking your cigarette addiction
PACKING in smoking makes you live longer, reduces your chance of getting cancer, and can even boost your sex life... but despite that millions of people every year struggle to kick the addiction.
With the numerous health benefits ranging from finding it easier to breathe to enjoying increased fertility, we've listed below some of the ways you can free yourself from smoking.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Smokers become hooked on cigarettes when they develop a dependency on nicotine - the addictive substance in tobacco that fuels cravings.
People who choose NRT use products such as chewing gum, patches, and inhalators, which contain low levels of nicotine.
This method of quitting can help reduce the notorious withdrawal pangs linked with ditching the addiction.
However NRT is sometimes criticised as it means smokers continue to consume the substance they are hooked on.
Nicotine replacement therapy products can be bought in pharmacies and shops.
Skin patches are worn on the skin and release nicotine slowly into the user's system.
Chewing gum, inhalators, and nasal and mouth sprays act more quickly.
The NHS advise that using a patch alongside a faster-acting method can be effective.
The full list of NRT products available are patches, gum, inhalators, tablets, nasal and mouth spray.
Allen Carr's Easyway to Stop Smoking
Former chain-smoker Allen Carr's method for packing in cigarettes is famous all over the world.
The technique involves learning about how addiction works in order to explode some of the delusions as to why we might smoke.
His theory is that once people see smoking for what it really is they find it easy to quit.
The company's website says: "There are a number of ways of using Allen Carr's Easyway method all of which enable you to be free easily, painlessly, and without the need for willpower."
Allen Carr himself, a heavy smoker who quit using his own method, died of lung cancer at the age of 71.
Vaping and e-cigarettes
"Vape pens" and e-cigarettes are a common sight in pubs and clubs these days and are electronic devices that deliver nicotine in vapour form.
They therefore allow people to take in the substance they are addicted to without inhaling the harmful chemicals in tobacco.
MORE ON VAPING
A professor told the world's largest gathering of heart experts in Rome that devices are "far more dangerous than people realise".
Top expert Prof Robert West, of University College London, said: “It would certainly be fair to say the study shows electronic cigarettes are not without any risk.
“The critical question is how much risk?”
Despite the findings GPs will soon be able to prescribe them to help people quit smoking.
Varenicline (Champix)
Varenicline is popularly known by its brand name Champix and works by reducing nicotine cravings and blocking the rewarding or enjoyable effects of smoking.
The NHS claim evidence suggests it is most effective medication for helping people quit.
It is only available on prescription and it is taken in the form of one or two tablets each day.
A course of treatment usually lasts around 12 weeks.
Side effects from taking Varenicline include feeling sick, insomnia, constipation, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness.
Bupropion
Buproprion is medication only available by prescription and was originally created to treat depression.
It is thought it can help smokers quit as it may have an affect on the part of the brain involving addictive behaviour.
It is taken as one or two pills a day and people are advised to start taking it a week or two before they starting quitting smoking.
People with epilepsy, bipolar disorder or eating disorders are advised not to take it.
Side effects are said to include insomnia, difficulty concentrating, headaches, feeling sick, dizziness.
Cold Turkey
If all else fails there's always good old fashioned "cold turkey".
This traditional method of kicking addiction involves simply doing it and then enduring any uncomfortable consequences.