Ways to stop smoking

Motivation and a desire to kick the habit are essential if you want to start the process of giving up smoking. Various aids are available, but there is no silver bullet or one-size-fits-all approach. The best treatment is one that is personalised and takes your dependence and lifestyle habits into account.

Always ask your GP or pharmacist for advice. Professional support greatly increases your chances of stopping smoking.

Nicotine replacement products

Nicotine replacement products are nicotine-based medicinal products that are sold in pharmacies and do not require a prescription. They help reduce the nicotine withdrawal symptoms that smokers can experience, especially when they start the process of giving up.

These replacement products are available in various forms: patches, chewing gums, lozenges to suck or dissolve under the tongue, inhalers or nasal sprays.

Medicinal products

Depending on your level of dependence and your state of health, your doctor may decide to prescribe an antidepressant for a certain period, which will alleviate the nicotine withdrawal symptoms while you are giving up smoking, or another form of medication that binds to certain nicotine receptors in the brain.

Only your doctor can judge how beneficial such medication will be in helping you give up. These medicinal products are available on prescription only, due to their contraindications, the side effects they can have and the precautions that apply to their use.

Cognitive and behavioural therapy

Cognitive and behavioural therapy are forms of psychological therapy that can help people change their behaviour. They can help smokers resist the urge to light up, kick bad habits and manage their stress in ways other than through smoking.

Other methods

There are also many other treatments, such as:

• hypnosis,
• acupuncture,
• mesotherapy,
• homeopathy, etc.

The effectiveness of these methods has not been scientifically proven.