Quit Smoking Gradually or all at Once?
Everyone is well aware how difficult it is to quit smoking, especially if you’ve been smoking for a long time. There are many debates, however, on how best to approach your methods after deciding to quit. Traditionally, the idea of having a “quit day” will help keep you motivated to actually quit. But recently a review by the International Cochrane Collaboration indicates that the gradual approach can be just as effective, and may be more appealing for those looking to quit smoking.
Described in an article on MSN Health, the study involved over 3600 individuals within 10 randomized controlled studies to compare the results of quitting gradually over abruptly.
They found that abstinence rates were about the same regardless of whether people quit smoking abruptly or gradually, whether they used nicotine replacement therapy, and whether they tried to quit on their own or participated in a support group.
Unfortunately, the analysis further confirmed the sad reality that you are not alone — most people were unable to kick the habit after one try. Over all, 202 of 1,979 smokers (10.2%) who stopped smoking gradually remained abstinent at least six months later, compared with 192 of 1,781 smokers (10.7%) who quit smoking abruptly.
Overall, the best way to quit smoking permanently is to use a number of methods to your overall system. Adding quit smoking aids, such as Smoke Deter, along with joining a support group for example will give you a better chance at success.