How to Quit Smoking What Actually Works One step at a time dancingdoc followersask

???? Smoking may be about instant gratification. Quitting is about learning a new dance. ????

No one expects to master a dance after one step. So why do we expect quitting smoking to happen overnight?

Give yourself some grace. ❤️

Here’s what the evidence tells us:

???? Pick a quit date, and tell your healthcare professional. Even brief advice from a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist improves your chances of quitting.

???? Don’t rely on willpower alone. The most effective treatments include varenicline or combination nicotine replacement therapy (a nicotine patch plus gum or lozenge). Bupropion is another evidence-based option for some people. Talk with your healthcare professional about what’s right for you.

???? Add support. A quitline, text-message program, or support group can make a real difference. You don’t have to do this alone.

???? If you slip, you haven’t failed. Most people make about 6 quit attempts before they quit for good. Every attempt teaches your brain something.

⏳ Stick with treatment for at least 12 weeks. For some people, staying on treatment longer improves the chances of long-term success.

???? The science is encouraging:
✅ Combining medication + counseling almost doubles long-term quit rates compared with brief advice or usual care alone (15.2% vs 8.6% at 6 months).

???? In the EAGLES trial, one of the largest smoking cessation studies ever conducted (8,144 participants), 6-month quit rates were:
???? Varenicline: 21.8%
???? Bupropion: 16.2%
???? Nicotine patch: 15.7%
Placebo: 9.4%

???? Adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can improve your chances even further, especially when combined with medication.

???? Miss a step? Keep dancing. Miss a quit attempt? Keep quitting.

❤️ And if someone you love is trying to quit, don’t ask why they haven’t stopped. Ask what step they’re working on today.

Educational content only. Please discuss the best quit plan for you with your healthcare professional.

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