Diagnosis
Your healthcare professional may ask you questions or have you fill out a questionnaire to see how dependent you are on nicotine. Knowing your degree of dependence helps your healthcare professional figure out the right treatment plan for you. The more cigarettes you smoke each day and the sooner you smoke after waking up, the more dependent you are.
Treatment
Like most people who smoke, you've probably made at least one serious attempt to stop. But it's rare to stop smoking on your first attempt — especially if you try to do it without help. You're much more likely to be able to stop smoking if you use medicines and counseling. Both of these treatments work, especially if you use them together.
Medications
Some quit-smoking treatments are known as nicotine replacement therapy. That's because they have varying amounts of nicotine in them. An example of a long-acting nicotine replacement therapy is a nicotine patch that you place on your skin. Short-acting products include nicotine gums, lozenges and nose sprays.
Some nicotine replacement therapies require a prescription, but others don't. Two quit-smoking medicines called bupropion (Wellbutrin SR) and varenicline don't have nicotine in them. You can get these with a prescription.
Any of these products can help ease nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The products help make it more likely that you'll stop smoking for good. Using more than one may help you get better results.
Even though you can buy some quit-smoking products without a prescription, talk with your healthcare professional first. Together you can explore which products might be right for you and when to start taking them. You also can learn about the possible side effects.
Counseling
Medicines help you cope by easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Counseling helps you practice the skills you need to give up tobacco for good. The more time you spend with a counselor, the better your treatment results might be.
During individual or group counseling, you learn techniques that you can use to help you stop smoking. Many hospitals, healthcare plans, healthcare professionals and employers offer treatment programs. Some medical centers provide intensive outpatient treatment programs.
Methods to stay away from
If medicines and counseling don't help a person stop smoking after many tries, some healthcare professionals recommend use of electronic cigarettes. These devices heat a liquid that usually has nicotine in it and the user breathes in vapor.
But e-cigarettes are a controversial option because their long-term effects on health aren't clear. And many people who use e-cigarettes to stop smoking find themselves using both products rather than quitting. So do not use e-cigarettes unless your healthcare professional recommends them because approved treatments didn't help enough.
It's also not a good idea to substitute another type of tobacco use for smoking. Tobacco in any form is not safe. And forms of nicotine that haven't been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may not be safe.
Don't use these products as substitutes for smoked tobacco:
- Dissolvable tobacco products.
- Smokeless tobacco.
- Nicotine lollipops and balms.
- Cigars and pipes.
- Hookahs.
- Nicotine pouches.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Coping and support
Social support is key to leading a stable and solid smoke-free life. Ask your family, friends and co-workers to support and encourage you. Be direct and let them know what would help you most.
Also think about trying these resources:
- Support groups. Support groups offer coaching and support from others trying to quit. You can often attend at little or no cost. For example, in the United States, Nicotine Anonymous groups can be found in many locations.
- Telephone counseling. Quit lines offer convenient access to trained counselors. In the U.S., call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) to connect directly to your state's quit line.
- Text messaging and mobile apps. Services can send reminders and tips to your mobile phone.
- Web-based programs. Sites such as BecomeAnEX provide free personalized support, interactive guides and tools, and discussion groups to help you quit.
Preparing for your appointment
You're likely to start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
To get ready for your appointment:
- Write down your smoking triggers. List the conditions that make you most likely to smoke a cigarette. In what situations has smoking become a ritual?
- Make note of any symptoms that may be related to smoking. Include the length of time you've had each one.
- Make a list of your medications. Include any vitamins, herbs or other supplements.
- Invite a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be hard to remember all the information that your healthcare team tells you.
What to expect from your doctor
Be ready to answer questions that your healthcare professional may ask. This saves time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Some questions that your healthcare professional may ask include:
- How many cigarettes do you smoke each day? How soon after waking do you smoke?
- Have you tried to stop smoking in the past? If so, what happened? What worked? What didn't work?
- What is making you want to stop smoking now?
- Do you have any health conditions that you suspect are related to smoking, such as heart disease or diabetes?
- Has smoking caused any problems at work or in your relationships?