Heather Arranie 
Quitting smoking and kicking your nicotine cravings can be a challenging task, but there are plenty of aids out there that can not only make the process easier, but also sustainable. Here are a few of the best methods to help you put down the cigarettes for good.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches, to many, are one of the most reliable and effective ways to quit smoking. Not only are they super easy to use and forget about, but they often help to curb your cravings throughout the day.
Pros
One of the biggest pros of using vape, a Quit Clinics expert will teach you this, is that they are available in various doses (strengths) without the need for a prescription. They can also help curb your cravings and control your withdrawal symptoms for up to 24 hours.
Cons
On the other hand, a con of a patch is that it can’t react quickly enough to a sudden craving or withdrawal. They are also known to cause insomnia and vivid dreams in some people and can leave the skin feeling itchy and irritated, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is another popular choice for smokers looking to quit. They provide a strong hit of nicotine, and many find the constant chewing to be a great way to deal with cravings, as it can distract you.
Pros
Nicotine gum is typically found in two different strengths and a multitude of flavors. They are also perfect for sudden cravings and ideal for when you are in an area where you can’t smoke, especially when you first start trying to quit.
Cons
One downside you may find when you first quit and start using the gum is that one piece is just not enough; you may find yourself going through a whole box in a week. This is because the nicotine is typically “finished” within 30 minutes, and when combined with the lower strength, you will often need 10 or even 15 pieces in a day.
Nicotine Lozenges
Nicotine lozenges are very similar to nicotine gum but are the preferred aid for those with teeth or gum issues. You put the lozenge between your gumline and cheek and slowly suck on it until it has dissolved, releasing the nicotine into your bloodstream.
Pros
Once again, lozenges are ideal for instantly dealing with a craving, and many prefer a lozenge over gum as it lasts longer, and therefore curbs your cravings for longer. There are also “mini” versions that don’t last as long, but release their nicotine much quicker.
Cons
One of the main cons of lozenges is similar to the gum, as if you are a heavy smoker, you will need to use multiple of them throughout the day, especially if you experience a serious craving.
Other users have also experienced hiccups and acid reflux when using them, but this will vary from person to person.
Nicotine Inhaler
A nicotine inhaler is a less common aid when it comes to quitting, but it is seen as one of the best by many. A small dose of nicotine is sprayed into your mouth and is quickly absorbed, eliminating cravings and withdrawals fairly quickly.
Pros
An inhaler is brilliant at stopping cravings in their tracks, and you are also able to control how big or small the dose is, depending on your level of withdrawal or cravings. An inhaler also keeps your hands busy, which is a subconscious way that helps many people to quit smoking.
Cons
On the downside, inhalers are only available in most countries through prescription. An inhaler can also cause mouth and throat irritation, and it is also not a great choice for those who suffer from any breathing problems or conditions, such as asthma.
Nicotine Nasal Spray
A nicotine nasal spray is one of the fastest-acting aids available. A nicotine-filled solution is sprayed into each nostril, which is instantly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the nose.
Pros
As mentioned, one of the biggest pros of an inhaler is that it works faster than any of the other aids on this list. It is better at dealing with sudden cravings, can be used in combination with other aids, and you can control how strong or weak the dose is.
Cons
Once again, a con is that you do need a prescription for a nicotine nasal spray, making it more difficult to procure.
It is another aid that isn’t the best option for those with nasal and throat issues or those with conditions that make it harder to breathe.
Can Vapes Help You Quit?
Vapes are a grey area when it comes to quitting. On the one hand, they can help you quit cigarettes and lessen the amount of nicotine you consume and need on a day-to-day basis. They are also often cheaper and easier to find compared to some other aids on this list.
On the other hand, many studies have shown that smokers simply swap cigarettes for vapes, and there isn’t a decrease in their smoking habit. Vapes have also been shown to be just as, or even more addictive than cigarettes due to their many flavors and how easy they are to smoke. In short, for most people, vapes should be viewed more as an alternative to cigarettes and not necessarily a method for quitting.
