Quitting smoking: How to quit

Quit counsellors (or "quit coaches") give confidential one-on-one support to people interested in quitting smoking. Whether in-person, online, by text or by phone, they can help you develop a structured quit plan, answer your questions about quitting and refer you to services in your community.

Reach a quit coach by consulting provincial and territorial services or calling 1-866-366-3667

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a proven method that can greatly improve your odds of quitting success.^{Footnote 6} It can help ease the physical withdrawal symptoms when you quit^{Footnote 7}, so you can focus on your goals without worrying about cravings.

NRT is available in long-acting and short-acting forms, each with their own purpose. The long-acting form provides a baseline amount of nicotine to the body over a longer period of time. Short-acting types deliver nicotine quickly, allowing you to deal with cravings in the moment.

Yes, long-acting and short-acting forms can safely be used together when used correctly. In fact, this combination is likely to boost your success. Eventually, taking NRT less and less frequently will help wean your body off nicotine.

• nicotine patch (long-acting) delivers a slow, steady-stream of nicotine into your body through a small sticker on your skin. It's available in different strengths, so you can control your withdrawal symptoms and cravings by gradually reducing your body's dependence on nicotine.
• nicotine gum delivers nicotine to your body quickly. It's not chewed like ordinary gum; the nicotine is absorbed through your gums and cheek, so you need to bite the gum a few times and then keep it against your cheek for it to work correctly.
• nicotine inhaler delivers nicotine quickly through a plastic cylinder or cartridge held between your fingers. You puff on the inhaler and nicotine vapour is released and absorbed through the lining of your mouth and throat instead of your lungs. It may also help by mimicking the hand-to-mouth routine of smoking. Unlike vaping devices or e-cigarettes, inhalers do not use heat to generate aerosol.
• nicotine lozenges release nicotine quickly as the tablet dissolves in your mouth, similar to a hard candy. You rest the lozenge against your gums, moving it occasionally to another spot.

You can buy NRT without a prescription from your local pharmacy. Getting advice on how to use it effectively can help you succeed. A quit coach or counselor can share the availability of programs that provide NRT in your area - some even offer free NRT. Reach one by consulting provincial and territorial services or calling 1-866-366-3667

Prescription medications, such as varenicline or bupropion can help ease your withdrawal symptoms and reduce your urge to smoke. They have different actions but both change the way that parts of your brain react to nicotine. Some medications are taken before you actually quit smoking, and some can be taken with other methods like the patch or nicotine gum. It depends on which prescription and program your doctor recommends.

Prescription medications can have side effects but your doctor can recommend the right course of action should you experience any.

Cytisine is an organic compound derived from the golden rain plant (Cytisus laburnum) that works by partially blocking the receptors in the brain that recognize nicotine. It has been approved for smoking cessation in Canada since 2017 as a natural health product. Evidence suggests that cytisine is a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective option.^{Footnote 8}

Cytisine is available for purchase without a prescription at select pharmacies and online directly from the manufacturer. However, your doctor or pharmacist can still help you decide if it is the right option for you. Closely following the specific dosing instructions is important to quit success.

Quitting "cold turkey" means to immediately stop smoking without the help of medication or any form of NRT. It's a method that works differently for everyone. Some people manage their withdrawal symptoms better than others. If you're planning to quit cold turkey, make sure you know what to expect in terms of potential withdrawal symptoms and how to manage the cravings.

Self-help quitting guides can range from books, to audio recordings, to online and spiritually based programs. Health Canada offers free self-help guides for you to try. You can also check out a variety of mobile apps and text support services to help you quit smoking.

Vaping products (or e-cigarettes) are currently regulated as consumer products. To date, none have been approved in Canada as therapeutic products for smoking cessation. While vaping has risks, these products may reduce health risks for people who smoke who can't or don't want to quit using nicotine as they deliver nicotine in a less harmful way than smoking cigarettes. Studies suggest that vaping nicotine may be more effective for smoking cessation than NRT or counselling alone.^{Footnote 9}

Learn more about vaping and quitting smoking

Though some people report successfully quitting smoking by using other alternative methods, there is limited scientific evidence that hypnosis^{Footnote 10}, laser therapy^{Footnote 11}, and acupuncture^{Footnote 12}, help people quit smoking successfully.