strength , and gradually wean themselves onto a lower strength . From Public Health England ( who conclude vaping is 95 % safer than smoking ) to the Royal College of Physicians ( who say e-cigarettes are likely to be beneficial to UK public health ), there is a very convincing case to be made that vaping is one of the most effective , safest methods of quitting smoking .
Varenicline / Champix
Available on prescription-only , in tablet form for a treatment period of 3 months , you take either 1 or 2 tablets daily . Champix reduces your craving for a cigarette by blocking the rewarding effects of smoking .
Bupropion ( Zyban )
Originally used to treat depression , thus prescriptiononly drug curbs addictive behaviour . It is recommended that treatment lasts a few months , to prepare you for weaning yourself off these daily tablets .
Each of these methods may have side effects , which is why we recommend ( again ) that your doctor be the first port of call in your journey to quit smoking .
Stuffing a handkerchief in your mouth whenever you get a craving .
Not the most practical way , but it will stop you in
your tracks and you ’ ll refrain from reaching out for a dreaded cigarette , because your mouth will already be full .
Nicotine Replacement Therapy ( NRT )
Nicotine is the key reason that makes smoking addictive . NRT does what it says on the tin , in that it provides a nicotine substitute in the form of tablets , lozenges , chewing gum , skin patches , nasal and mouth sprays . For a quick nicotine hit on NRT try the gum or spray , which may be used to curb cravings quicker than if using patches . A 3-month programme is recommended by the NHS on NRT , after which a review will follow .
All jokes aside , it does get better , and the key is to take it one step , one day at a time .
If you ’ ve quit smoking , we ’ d love to know how you did it .
Please email us with # HOWIQUITSMOKING in the subject heading and your story may be featured in an upcoming issue . Do not underestimate the power of your words , which may be inspirational to someone struggling to give up smoking .
Kick Smoking - 5