Welcome to the treatment options area for Smoking Cessation on HealthExpress. This page is intended as a guide providing you with information on all of the possible treatment options currently available to help smokers who want to kick their habit finally do so.
Willpower
Willpower is the basis of any plan to quit smoking as without it you will be destined to fail. Traditionally using this method alone, or going ‘cold turkey’ as it is commonly known, is notoriously difficult and ineffective. However, when willpower is used in conjunction with another method the chances of an individual giving up for a period of at least 12 months are dramatically increased.
Counselling
Counselling, including support groups, can help in addition to a combination of willpower and other treatments in kicking the habit. Many people find it helpful when quitting to share there experiences with people who know exactly what they are going through and what they can expect in the future when continuing with their goal of becoming a reformed smoker. Although there are no definite success rates this is a method which many people find very useful. |
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Obtaining treatment from us couldn’t be easier. Simply complete our online consultation, which will then be reviewed by one of our registered UK doctors who will be able to recommend treatments that would be beneficial to you after your diagnosis has been completed. You will then be able to login directly to your personalised member’s area from where you will be able to place your order. |
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Nicotine Replacement Therapy
This smoking cessation treatment comes in several forms including patches, gums, lozenges, inhalers and nasal sprays. All of these products work by inhibiting the withdrawal effects of giving up by providing receptors in the brain with the nicotine which they would have usually received from smoking. NRT, as a treatment, is well established and has been available since the late 1980’s however with a success rate as low as 10-15% this is fast becoming replaced by several prescription treatments.
Alternative Therapies
There are many alternative therapies, including acupuncture, hypnosis and herbal remedies. The majority of these smoking cessation treatments are yet to undergo sufficient clinical tests and so their true impact on smoking remains unknown. However, many people do have success with these methods although their success rates are generally considered to be far lower than those of nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medication.
Prescription Medicine
There are currently two prescription medications approved for smoking cessation within the UK, Zyban and Champix. Both of these treatments work to inhibit the withdrawal effects of nicotine on the brain making it easier to stop than with willpower alone. Smoking cessation treatments such as these have much higher success rates than any other treatments currently available, with Zyban being around 29% and Champix around 44%. |
