Nicotine Patch Can Help You Quit Smoking

We all know how terrible smoking is for our health. But sometimes knowledge isn't enough -- cigarette smoking is highly addictive, and kicking the habit is extremely challenging.

In a large study supported by the National Cancer Institute, it has now been determined that combining the use of the nicotine patch with the use of the nicotine lozenge may prove to be the most effective way for smokers to quit. According to the study, using the combination of both methods resulted in a "two-fold better smoking cessation outcome 6 months after quitting compared to smokers who received placebo medication."

This particular study compared the effectiveness of three different medications: The nicotine patch, the nicotine lozenge, and the oral medication bupropion. Individuals participating in the study also received one-on-one counseling sessions with trained case managers to provide psychological support in order to help them quit smoking.

Studies have shown that smokers have been successful in quitting when using individual methods; however, there is little to no research determining the effectiveness of these singular medications. When combining these therapies, initial cessation not only improved, but the end of treatment quitting rates improved as well compared to using only one method.

More than 1,500 individuals participated in this study with their treatment lasting between eight to 12 weeks.