You can stop smoking with nicotine replacement strategies such as the “patch”—or not. Recent research into the attempts of real smokers to quit seems to show that these may not be very effective in the long-term.
This is just one of the latest reports, so common in health-related news, that could leave consumers bewildered. After all, there are many who prefer this method. But let’s face it: smoking, just like any other type of addiction, doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all remedy. Each individual must look at the various options and then decide what might work best for him or her.
Besides nicotine replacement, the options include acupuncture, hypnosis, aversion therapy, and cold turkey, to name just a few.
You can also stop smoking with the prescription of medications—or not. From WebMD: The drug Chantix has been shown to be “an effective way for smokers to kick the habit without resorting to taking nicotine in other forms, according to two new studies.”
How does it work? “It acts at sites in the brain affected by nicotine to do two things: It mimics the effects of nicotine to help stave off cravings and, when used with nicotine, it blocks some of the reinforcing, pleasurable effects of smoking.”
A common course of treatment is 12 weeks, or longer if needed.
Below is a recent Saturday Night Live parody (with Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader) of an ad for Chantix. Note: I present this as a general spoof of drug companies’ warnings about side effects and not as a potential disincentive to stop smoking using whatever methods feel appropriate for you.