Smoking is a major cause of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide, and quitting smoking at any age can lead to significant health benefits. A new review has highlighted three top-performing smoking cessation strategies: varenicline, cytisine, and nicotine e-cigarettes. These strategies have shown increased success rates when used in combination with behavioral therapies. Behavioral therapies and financial incentives have also shown promise for successful smoking cessation without the need for additional medications.
The review, based on papers published between 2021 and 2023, found that varenicline, cytisine, and nicotine e-cigarettes were the most effective treatments for smoking cessation. Varenicline is a prescription oral tablet that helps with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, while cytisine is a plant-based drug that also aids in reducing nicotine cravings. The review emphasized the high-certainty evidence that varenicline is more effective than bupropion or single-form NRT at helping people quit smoking.
Behavioral therapy has also been shown to increase quit rates at 6 months or longer, with or without smoking cessation medications. Combining multiple components of behavioral therapy may further increase the chances of successful quitting. However, research on mindfulness-based therapy for smoking cessation has yielded mixed results, highlighting the need for further studies to confirm its benefits.
The review also included findings on the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) as a smoking cessation aid. It found high-certainty evidence that ECs with nicotine are more effective than NRT, and moderate-certainty evidence that ECs with nicotine are more effective than ECs without nicotine. Switching from smoking to vaping has been associated with reduced levels of harmful chemicals, suggesting that ECs may be a viable option for smokers looking to quit.
Overall, the review highlighted the need for more research on smoking cessation strategies, including individual tailoring for behavioral support. The researchers suggested that future studies should focus on the long-term safety and effectiveness of ECs as a smoking cessation aid, as well as the potential benefits of heated tobacco products. While more trials are needed to compare different smoking cessation medicines and report safety data, the review provided a comprehensive overview of various methods for quitting smoking, offering multiple options for individuals trying to quit.
