Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, with tobacco use accounting for over 7 million deaths per year. If you're a smoker looking to quit, there are several methods you can try. . Nicotine replacement therapies, medications, and going cold turkey have all shown some success. However, vaping has emerged as one of the most effective smoking cessation methods in recent years. In this blog, we'll discuss why vaping is the best way to quit smoking and how it compares to other methods like nicotine replacement therapy and medications.
Why Vaping is a Highly Effective Solution
Vaping e cigarettes has several benefits over other smoking cessation methods. Firstly, e-cigarettes don't produce tobacco smoke, which is the primary cause of harmful effects like lung cancer, heart disease, and other cancers. Instead, vaping involves heating a liquid (often containing nicotine) to create an aerosol, which is then inhaled into the lungs. Public Health England has stated that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking.
Secondly, the vaping community offers extra support for those looking to quit smoking. E-cigarettes and vape juices come in a variety of nicotine strengths, allowing users to gradually cut down their nicotine intake over time. This can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while also providing a similar hand-to-mouth motion and sensation just like smoking.
Moreover, vaping provides a more enjoyable experience than other smoking cessation methods. E-cigarettes come in a wide range of flavours, making them a more appealing and pleasant alternative to the taste of tobacco. This can help users stick to their quit date and avoid the temptation to return to smoking.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) involves using products like nicotine gum, nicotine patches, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhalers to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings when quitting smoking. These products come in different nicotine strengths and can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies or prescribed by a doctor.
Some NRT's have shown to be effective in helping smokers quit cigarettes. A Cochrane review found that using NRT's increased the chances of quitting smoking by 50-60%. However, NRT may not work for everyone and some people may experience side effects like difficulty sleeping and weight gain also irritation to the skin from use of nicotine patches.
Medications
Nicotine replacement medications like Bupropion and Champix (also known as Chantix) have been shown to be effective in helping smokers quit. Bupropion is an antidepressant that can also help reduce nicotine cravings, while Champix works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain.
(Bupropion is only approved as a smoking cessation aid in the UK; it is not approved for the treatment of depression.)
While these medications have been shown to be effective, they come with their own set of risks and side effects. For example, Champix has been linked to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, according to a study by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Other drugs like Wellbutrin SR may also have side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, and seizures.
Cold Turkey
Cold turkey, or quitting smoking abruptly without any support, is another method that may not be effective for most people. Going cold turkey can cause intense nicotine cravings, mood swings, and irritability, making it difficult to quit successfully.
FAQs
Q: What is the best product for quitting smoking?
A: Vaping is the best product for quitting smoking as it offers health benefits, extra support from the vaping community online and through social media, a wide range of flavours, and is 95% less harmful than smoking.
Q: Is Champix effective to quit smoking?
A: Champix has been shown to be effective in helping smokers quit. However, it comes with its own set of risks and side effects, including mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Q: Can you buy Champix over the counter?
A: No, Champix is a prescription-only medication that must be prescribed by a doctor.
Q: Is Zyban the same as Champix?
A: No, Zyban (also known as bupropion) is a different medication that can help reduce nicotine cravings, while Champix works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain.
Q: What is the fastest, easiest way to stop smoking?
A: Vaping is the fastest and easiest way most smokers to stop smoking as it provides extra support, comes in a variety of flavours, and is 95% less harmful than smoking.
Q: How do you clean your lungs after stopping smoking?
A: Your lungs will naturally begin to clean themselves after you stop smoking. However, you can aid the process by exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and eating a healthy diet.
Q: How long does it take to stop craving for a cigarette?
A: Nicotine cravings can last for several weeks or even months after quitting smoking. However, they will gradually decrease over time as your body adjusts to the absence of nicotine.
Q: What is the best replacement for cigarettes?
A: Vaping is the best replacement for cigarettes as it provides a similar hand-to-mouth motion and sensation to smoking, comes in a variety of flavours, and is 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
Q: How does Zyban work to stop smoking?
A: Zyban (bupropion) works by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit smoking.
In conclusion, vaping is a highly effective and enjoyable way to quit smoking. The vaping community provides extra support, e-liquids come in a variety of flavours, and is 95% less harmful than smoking. While other smoking cessation methods like NRT and medications can also be effective, they come with their own set of risks and side effects. If you're struggling to quit smoking using other methods, consider trying vaping and get started with Selby Vapes today.
