In January 2020, the Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking Cessation reiterated the benefits of stopping smoking at any age. It emphasised that quitting smoking lowers the risk of premature death and can increase life expectancy by up to ten years. While many smokers and vapers indicate a desire to quit, nicotine’s addictive nature presents a substantial hurdle. Nicotine, the major addictive component found in cigarettes and most vaping products, quickly enters the brain, increasing the number of nicotine receptors and reinforcing cravings.
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Nicotine’s Hold and the Advantages of Early Cessation
The study highlights the strong correlation between significantly lower death rates and smoking cessation, particularly among younger smokers. It’s possible to see the benefits of quitting as soon as three years after you stop smoking. Similarly, of vaping adults between the ages of 18 and 24, more than half intend to stop, and 25% had tried to stop in the previous year. Because nicotine is addictive, it can be challenging to quit smoking; just 10% of smokers are able to do so each year.
NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) and Medications
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) include transdermal patches, gum, lozenges, and a mouth spray licensed by the UK for vaping cessation for individuals looking to stop smoking. Many people use NRTs for long-term maintenance because they are especially beneficial in the early phases of quitting. In contrast to those who received brief advice or normal treatment, who quit at an 8.6% rate, smokers who received medicine plus counseling had a 15.2% rate of success, according to a meta-analysis comprising 19,488 smokers.
New Approaches to Vaping Therapy
Despite the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, there aren’t many FDA-approved drug alternatives for quitting smoking. However recent research has yielded encouraging results. An alkaloid derived from plants called cytisinicline has been shown to double the chance of successfully quitting vaping when compared to a placebo. Cytisinicline has not yet been approved by the FDA, despite its potential. More pharmacological therapies for e-cigarette users are needed, as evidenced by a Yale study that found that generic versions of vannicline, also accessible, are beneficial.
Psychotherapy and Additional Interventions
Another effective method for quitting smoking is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps people to recognise their triggers and prevent relapses. Exercises that increase heart rate and mindfulness can also help lessen the desire to smoke. Furthermore, there has been promise in technology-based therapies including internet and mobile phone support. Teenage vaping cessation rates have grown dramatically as a result of initiatives like the “This is Quitting” text messaging campaign.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation method, is a cutting-edge smoking cessation strategy. 2020 saw the FDA approve TMS for smoking cessation due to its ability to lower cigarette consumption. Early study results have shown that TMS treatment doubles success rates, particularly when paired with varenicline.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking or vaping is critical to long-term health. While some people transition from cigarettes to vaping as a harm-reduction approach, the addictive nature of nicotine frequently results in trading one addiction for another. Those battling with nicotine addiction can find hope in comprehensive cessation techniques, which include NRTs, medicines, psychotherapy, and new treatments such as TMS.
