How to effectively quit smoking: scientists have named 3 ways

Seven million people die every year from smoking-related causes. Everyone knows that it is harmful, but quitting a bad habit can be very difficult. Science Alert presents three effective ways.

A British team from the University of Oxford conducted a large-scale study with 6-month tracking of results, says the material publications It turned out that the most effective drugs are varenicline and cytisine, as well as electronic cigarettes. More than 157,000 smokers participated in an analysis of 319 randomized* controlled trials.

It has long been known that the main addictive ingredient is nicotine. Without outside help, only 6 out of 100 people are able to successfully quit smoking. How do drugs help?

Cytisine and varenicline work by activating the brain’s nicotinic receptors, which release dopamine when nicotine triggers them – thus preventing them from being activated by nicotine.

Scientists did not notice too noticeable differences in drugs from cytisine brand Tabex, varenicline from Chantix and Champix, and nicotine electronic cigarettes. Research shows that approximately 14% of those who try to quit smoking this way will succeed in their efforts after 6 months or more.

However, the World Health Organization previously statedthat e-cigarettes are dangerous and harmful to health, although the degree of risk is determined by several factors. Another study indicated that smoke from such cigarettes immobilizes immune cells.

In addition to the above methods, scientists have identified another strategy for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – the use of nicotine patches and chewing gum or lozenges, although Oxford University scientist Nicola Lindson claims:

“Using one form of NRT, such as a patch or gum, resulted in fewer people quitting smoking.”

In addition, scientists in the study found that a gradual reduction in nicotine consumption is somewhat more effective than a sudden refusal.

The drug bupropion showed effectiveness in 9% of quitters. But scientists noticed a slight increase in side effects. Like most studies, this was conducted in higher-income countries, so there is little evidence from poorer countries. The team of researchers hopes that in the future they will look at how socioeconomic status affects smoking cessation.

*Randomized – randomly distributed.

Source link