Swap to what?
The main reason that people smoke is because they are addicted to nicotine and one of the main reasons they aren’t successful in stopping is that they don’t use enough nicotine when they need it the most.
Don’t worry about becoming addicted to something else, you’re already addicted to nicotine in cigarettes, or you wouldn’t be here. This is just about getting that nicotine without the tar and poisonous gasses that cause cancer, heart disease, lung disease and stroke
Vaping
A vape is an electronic device that delivers nicotine in a vapour. This allows you to inhale nicotine without most of the harmful effects of smoking, as the vapour contains no tar or carbon monoxide.
Research has found that vapes are one of the most effective methods of helping people stop smoking and are at least as effective as using 2 NRT products as described below. allowing the user to reduce the amount of nicotine until no longer dependent.
As with other approaches, they’re most effective if used with support from your local stop smoking service.
That said, if you don’t smoke – don’t vape
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT is a medicine that provides you with nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It can help reduce unpleasant withdrawal effects, such as bad moods and cravings, which may occur when you stop smoking.
NRT is most effective in helping you swap or stop when combined with behavioural support from an expert stop smoking advisor, which addresses your habits around smoking.
Patches release nicotine slowly. Some are worn all the time, and some should be taken off at night.
Inhalators, gum and sprays
These act more quickly and can be used before, during and after cravings.
All the NRT products are as good at helping you stop as each other so you should choose something that suits you. If you want the most effective method, then that’s a patch and a reach for product at the same time. The patch gives you a constant stream of nicotine and the reach-for product is there for the times you just need an extra boost.
Treatment with NRT usually lasts 8-12 weeks, before you gradually reduce the dose and eventually stop.