So, you’ve decided to quit smoking or vaping. Congratulations! You’ve made the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.
It can be overwhelming as there’s a lot of information and products that can help you quit smoking or vaping, but we’re here to help.
Here’s a range of the different types of quit smoking aids that can help you on your journey.
Cold turkey
Cold turkey is known as giving up smoking or vaping without any quit smoking products or support.
The smokers who quit this way rely on their own willpower to get through the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms1.
It’s important to remember that while this might work for many smokers, it doesn’t work for everyone.
Quitting smoking completely can take a few tries, so don’t be discouraged if one method doesn’t work out for you.
Nicotine is highly addictive and binds to specific receptors in your brain that release dopamine (the feel-good hormone), which makes you want to smoke more.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy, also known as NRT, provides you with a lower dose of nicotine than smoking cigarettes does.
However, the NRT lessens cravings and feelings of withdrawal.
There are fast-acting types of NRT, which include2:
- Gum, which can be used at times of high cravings
- Lozenges, which you roll around in your mouth between the gum and the cheek until it dissolves
- An inhalator, which looks like a cigarette but requires you to take short and frequent puffs
- Mouth spray, which helps reduce cravings and is often used together with the nicotine patches
However, some people prefer the nicotine patches as they provide a slower and steady level of nicotine over a longer period.
Some smokers use combination nicotine replacement therapy, which is patches as well as a faster type of NRT as it keeps a steady level throughout the day and a boost when the cravings are particularly strong.
Counselling
You don’t have to go through your quit smoking journey alone. There’s plenty of support available, including3:
- Friends and family who can be a welcome shoulder to lean on when you’re struggling with stopping smoking
- Making plans for uncomfortable situations, which can be helpful if you have friends or family who smoke
- Apps or websites that can help you stay on track, like My QuitBuddy, that provides tips and distractions for cravings or iCanQuit that has an online community for extra support
Some people find that when they drink alcohol, they smoke way more than they’d like.
If you can, try not to drink alcohol for the first couple of weeks or cut back on the amount you do drink.
Don’t forget, if things do get too difficult for you, you can leave the situation and call a cab.
Our 'Quit It' program
We’ve recently launched our own ‘Quit It’ program that can support you in stopping smoking or vaping for your health.
Stopping smoking is the best choice you can make for your health and wellbeing.
Our expert Pharmacists can recommend combination nicotine replacement therapies and help you through your withdrawals and cravings.
This program is free at participating Blooms The Chemist pharmacies.
References:
1Healthdirect, Quitting smoking and vaping, accessed 21 January 2025
2Cancer Council NSW, NRT Factsheet, accessed 21 January 2025
3Quitline, 3 ways to maximise your chances of quitting for good, accessed 21 January 2025