Quitting smoking is considered one of the hardest things to do. Established and trusted names like NicoDerm and Nicorette are the most popular smoking cessation products.  However, lesser known and newer brands are being used successfully as well.  Which product is right for you?

For those not quite ready to quit or who want to cut down before they quit, a wet filtration cigarette holder may help.  Aqua Filter Disposable Water Filtered Holders filter out a large part of the nicotine, tar, and other substances found in cigarettes.  While this doesn’t render cigarettes harmless, it does help improve breathing and reduces coughing.  And, as your body gets used to lower amounts of nicotine, it should be easier for you to quit once you are ready.

Nicotine patches were designed to slowly wean you off of nicotine.  They deliver a constant supply of nicotine over a 24 hour period without the cancer causing substances found in cigarettes.  This works well for people who are used to smoking at regular intervals.  The controlled dosage of nicotine is intended to help curb nicotine cravings.  Using the nicotine patch nearly doubles your chance of quitting smoking.  Patches work in steps – you slowly decrease the amount of nicotine you provide your body by changing to a lower strength patch after the recommended amount of time.  Generally, people are on the patch for eight weeks.  The most popular patch would have to be NicoDerm CQ.  Another well-liked brand is Habitrol.  Both brands also include information and education on how to quit smoking for good in every one of their boxes of patches.

Nicotine gum was also developed to wean you off of nicotine.  Like the patch, it delivers controlled amounts of nicotine without the cancer causing agents and helps control cravings.  However, nicotine gum is a better bet for those who smoke at irregular intervals as they can just chew a piece whenever they feel the desire to smoke.  For the best results, avoid chewing the gum for 15 minutes after eating or drinking.  Chew it briefly to release the nicotine and then put it in between your cheek and gums so the nicotine can be absorbed.  If the taste of the gum or the tingly feeling it provides decreases, chew the gum again briefly to release more nicotine.  You must chew the recommended number of pieces of gum every day, even if you feel that you don’t need to.  This is essential for successful quitting.  Nicorette is by far the most prevalent brand of nicotine gum.  They have a variety of flavors, from Nicorette Original to Nicorette Cinnamon Surge.  Nicorette comes in different nicotine strengths, depending on how many cigarettes you smoked before you decided to quit.  Similar to gum are nicotine lozenges, such as Commit Stop Smoking Lozenges.  Both the gum and the lozenges should be taken for a full 12 weeks.  The use of nicotine gum or lozenges also nearly doubles your chance of quitting smoking.

Of course, it is best to discuss your stop smoking plan with your physician.  He or she can help you decide the best way for you to quit smoking.  And, keep in mind that none of the methods listed above can work if you are not motivated to quit.  A combination of motivation, education, support, and your preferred method of quitting will greatly improve your chances of becoming a happy, healthy non-smoker!