Interactive Tool: Are You Ready to Quit Smoking? - What's next?
Quitting smoking, like most major lifestyle changes, is a process. Understanding where you fall in this process-your current stage of change-will help you and your doctor find the right strategy. The best way to stop smoking is to get help and to follow a plan. You can increase your chances of quitting by using medicines, such bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix). Or you can use nicotine replacement therapy (gum, lozenges, patches, nasal sprays, or inhalers). Counseling (by phone, group, or one-on-one) can also help. And using both medicines and counseling works even better.
For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
Quit-Smoking Drugs and Nicotine Patches and Gums
Quitting smoking is never easy. But a growing number of smoking cessation aids make it easier than ever for smokers to break their addiction to nicotine. Research suggests that medications and nicotine replacement therapies can double and sometimes even triple the chances that a smoker will successfully quit. Some of these treatments also help to minimize weight gain while quitting -- an important plus for many smokers who want to kick the habit. With a growing number of options available, doctors...
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Adapted with permission from: Zimmerman GL, et al. (2000). A "stages of change" approach to helping patients change behavior. Figure 1. American Family Physician, 61(5): 1409-1416.
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