Quit smoking

[Vickytst]

Do you think it’s better to quit smoking cold turkey or using nicotine patches? Thank you.

[Eviepoo 9 Months Smoke Free]

I have been given up 125 days and I went cold turkey. I think if you use nicotine replacement long term it’s harder because you are effectively giving up twice? Good luck!

[Jaqabilly]

It depends what suits you. Patches help with withdrawal symptoms. They don't give the quick fix that smokers crave, because you get the nicotine in a diffused, continuous flow. This is why some smokers think the patches don't work. Some quitters use patches alongside another product, such as lozenges or the inhalator, as a top up product. The reason for using NRT is twofold. It does not contain tar, carbon monoxide or thousands of other chemicals in cigarette smoke. Secondly, because you don't get the same sudden "hit"with NRT you do from cigarettes, it's easier to wean yourself off it. As to "Cold Turkey" I think this term isn't really helpful, and it seems to me that this is a phrase used by the NHS to mean "without recommended medication". Personally, I used Allen Carr's Easyway To Stop Smoking, which involves no medication at all, simply reading the book from cover to cover.

[Whale1 3 Months Smoke Free in reply to Jaqabilly]

Totally agree with you. I started using NRT, read Allen Carr and stopped all not half way through the book! Been smoke free for over 3 months now and it feels great!

[Adele_Julia in reply to Jaqabilly]

Thanks to the lovely ladies on this site, I read Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking. I'm 57, dealing with Metastatic Breast Cancer and the stress had me smoking like I was a factory in China (lol). Read the book, 2/3's through STOPPED cold turkey. For a smoker like me, I didn't think a "book" would do it. Well it did. Now I have to learn how to NOT fold my laundry military style ! LOL !!!!!

[Whale1 3 Months Smoke Free in reply to Adele_Julia]

Well done! Glad you found the book helpful. Stay well

[CocoaXChange Valued Contributor]

It is a matter of personal preference. Whatever helps you quit is right for you. I had tried and failed many times cold turkey and other aids. A big part of my habit was hand & mouth movement, so I found e-cigs helpful.

[Anna_maggs96 3 Years Smoke Free]

I think it depends on the person.I personally have tried both methods and found that when I tried to quite with nicotine patches or gradually I ended up just going back to smoking.

It will be 2 years on the 1st of August that I gave up and I had to do it cold turkey or I knew I wouldn't do it.

But as I say it has to be whatever works best for each person.

Good luck!

[Wantingtofeelbetter]

I stopped just over 6 weeks ago and I’ve been using Nordic pouches or my logic vape.. I know I’m still using nicotine but this is a win for me as I was smoking 20 a day. Every time I smell cigarette smoke now i think how disgusting it is,I can’t believe I done that for so long.

Good luck 🤞 🍀