Alternatives to Quit Smoking

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. 18+ article and for adult smokers only.

If you have been thinking about quitting smoking and thinking of alternatives, then you are on the right page. We will be exploring many ways you can try to quit smoking, there is no one stop solution for this and we all need baby steps. What matters is you take a step and commit yourself to finally quit smoking.

First of all, understand why you want to quit smoking. The reasons may be health issues, you want to get better and show up for yourself and your family, save more on your dream phone or car, or maybe you just feel tired of the smoking habit. Understanding the reason behind you quitting smoking will be helpful to help you really stick to the plan and the process. After this has been sorted out, now is time for you to choose which alternatives to quit smoking you want to go forward with.

Medication Prescribed by Doctor

If you truly want to quit smoking under supervision, oh well, with a prescription from a doctor, it is best to visit your clinic or hospital. The medication prescribed may vary from oral medication to nasal spray. 

Choosing to have prescribed medication may result in a positive outcome, so long as you are committed to the process and keep yourself away from the cigs. For the oral medications like Varenicline and Bupropion may only be purchased with prescription, and unlike other options provided below, they do not contain nicotines. They will however help you with the nicotine withdrawal symptoms which hopefully will lessen your urge to smoke.

Nicotine patches

Nicotine patch is one alternative to quit smoking that is available over the counter. It can be one of your options especially if you are looking for safer alternatives. A nicotine patch can come in different shapes and sizes. You just need to stick it on your skin from morning throughout the day and the nicotine will be released to and absorbed through your skin. 

For some people, a nicotine patch is not enough, especially if they have a strong withdrawal during the day. So, combining them with nicotine gum or lozenges can also be an option. Most important is to know the nicotine dose per patch that you are using. Depending on the brand itself, it is safe to say that you consult with the doctor or pharmacist before making a purchase. In general a nicotine patch in New Zealand has a nicotine strength of 10mg, 15mg and 25mg that you can choose from.

Some of the possible side effects to pay attention to after you use nicotine patches are skin rashes, headache (if you are taking higher nicotine strength), sleep problem and racing heartbeat. If this occurs, stop the use and contact your doctor immediately.

Nicotine Gums and Lozenges

As mentioned previously, they are other alternatives to get nicotine to satisfy your craving. Their nicotine strengths are much lesser compared to the patches. Each lozenge and gum may contain 2 mg and 4 mg nicotine strengths and may take 15 - 20 minutes before the nicotine finally kicks in.

Combining the patch and gums and/or lozenges may aid better for your transition to quit smoking. Consult with your doctor should you want to combine these two, and if you face any discomfort after taking the gums or lozenges.

Vaping

The last option on the list of the day is vaping. E-cigarette have been used as other alternatives to quit smoking. According to a research published in PubMed Central, and conducted in 2023 in the ClinicalTrials.gov database with a total of 87 clinical trials identified, it is concluded that vaping may be effective to help smokers quit smoking. The overall results are from those 87 trials that lasted between 4 weeks to 12 months. 

Even though this effectiveness may be a positive sign, we still need to be careful when using vape products as a smoking cessation option. This is because vaping may cause addiction if we are not careful on the use of it. E-cigarette do not come on their own, they contain nicotine and usually come with vaping devices like a vape pod or vape mods and cartridges with e-liquid. 

Vaping is not completely risk free. It is important to select the right nicotine strength for your e-liquid to prevent vape tongue, addiction and if you take the dose more than you can handle, you may experience dry mouth, nausea and shortness of breath. 

If this is your first time in purchasing a vape product, seek advice from licensed vape retailers or health professionals. Do not buy a vape product if you have not vaped before or if you do not intend to use it as smoking cessation. Vape product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance and in New Zealand, vaping is intended only for adult smokers who want to quit smoking. It is best to consult before use and make sure you need to be at least 18 years old to use any vape product.

Conclusion 

Quitting smoking isn’t an overnight change — it’s a journey that takes patience, commitment, and the right tools. Whether you choose prescribed medication, nicotine patches, gums, or vaping, the goal is to find what truly works for you. Each alternative has its own pros and cons, so take time to understand your needs and consult with professionals when necessary. Most importantly, surround yourself with a positive support system — family, friends, or even online communities — who can motivate you when things get tough. Having the right encouragement can make all the difference in helping you stay focused, confident, and smoke-free for good.