Is it Possible to Wean Yourself From Smoking in Order to Quit?

by Lionel Braud

Overview

When you're trying to stop smoking, "whatever works" is probably the best method. But if quitting cold turkey isn't a method that works for you, maybe you'll have better results by gradually weaning yourself off smoking. A user who quits on his own, without a nicotine replacement treatment (NRT), reduces his chances of quitting for good to only 5 percent after one year.
Nicotine replacement

Nicotine patches work by absorption through the skin, gradually releasing nicotine into the bloodstream. The Cochran study revealed that those who use a patch increase their chances of successfully quitting by 50 to 70 percent.

Nicotine gum

Nicotine gum comes in doses of 2 and 4 milligrams. If you smoke more than 18 cigarettes a day, you should chew the 4 milligram. The Cochran study showed that those who chew nicotine gum increase their chances of successfully quitting by 50 to 70 percent.
Nicotine inhaler

This nicotine replacement strategy is geared towards smokers who miss the hand-to-mouth oral habit. The nicotine inhaler looks like a cigarette, and the user inserts a nicotine cartridge, then mimics the action of smoking. This method also aids smokers' success rate of quitting by 50 to 70 percent.
Non-nicotine aids

Zyban satisfies the craving of nicotine neurologically by interacting with brain receptors that normally receive nicotine. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, in a study of 900 smokers treated for nicotine addiction over a nine-week period, 30 percent stopped smoking after one year with Zyban alone.
NRT and Zyban

The same 900-patient study revealed that Zyban used in concert with other nicotine replacement treatments increased chances of successfully quitting smoking to 35.5 percent after one year.
Warning

Do not smoke while on the patch. It can make you sick. Do not take Ryban if you experience seizures or head traumas, currently take MAOI anti-depressants, take bupropion medication or have a history of eating disorders.