Smoking cessation is the process of quitting smoking and breaking the physical and psychological addiction to nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in cigarettes, and quitting smoking can be difficult for many people. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and is responsible for numerous diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Quitting smoking can bring significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of smoking-related diseases and improving overall health.
There are several strategies that can be used to help individuals quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is one of the most common methods of smoking cessation. NRT products such as patches, gum, and lozenges, provide a controlled amount of nicotine to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Other medications, such as bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix), have also been approved to help with smoking cessation. These medications work by targeting the specific neural pathways in the brain that are involved in addiction to nicotine. Behavioral therapy, such as counseling and support groups, can also be effective in helping individuals quit smoking. Additionally, many quitlines and smoking cessation programs are available to provide support, guidance and resources to help smokers quit.