What are the best ways to quit smoking cigarettes?

BOSTON - A new analysis has identified the best ways for people to quit smoking.

Research looking at more than 300 prior studies on tobacco cessation found that nicotine replacement therapy, medication, nicotine e-cigarettes, behavioral counseling, and financial incentives are all effective ways to help people quit smoking.  

But the three most effective were 1) an oral medication called varenicline (Chantix) when used with education and counseling 2) cytisine, a plant devised drug that is used in Europe but not in the U.S. and 3) e-cigarettes with nicotine.  

E-cigarettes have been controversial due to their appeal to kids and teens and safety concerns, but this study found that in terms of helping people kick a smoking habit, nicotine e-cigarettes can be useful.  

Remember, stopping smoking can improve your heart rate and blood pressure almost immediately, and pretty quickly reduce your risk of lung disease, heart disease, and cancer.

In:
• Health
• Cigarette

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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