What are the best stop smoking aids that really work? If you are planning to stop smoking, there are now a number of quit aids and products available. Some of these products, such as free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products are available for no cost in certain states. Other stop smoking aids require a prescription from your doctor, such as Chantix (Varenicline) or Zyban (Bupropion). If you are also interested in how to stop smoking naturally, there are even easy ways to quit smoking with hypnosis and fake cigarettes.

Stop Smoking Aids That Really Work

Whether you plan to quit smoking cold turkey or use one of the stop smoking aids below, it really comes down to personal preference and finding what works best for you. Quitting smoking often takes multiple quit attempts, and the important thing is to keep trying. Our quit smoking timeline shows what happens to your body when you quit, and the benefits begin in as little as 20 minutes after your last cigarette.

Stop Smoking Medication

The most common stop smoking aids are medications and tablets. Some medications require a prescription, but many are available over-the-counter from your local drugstore. In some states, certain nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products are also available for free. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to find out what types of stop smoking medication may be available in your area.

Stop Smoking with Chantix / Champix

Chantix / Champix (Varenicline) is a prescription medication for smoking cessation. Chantix is the brand name of the drug in the U.S, while in Europe the same drug is branded as Champix. Once you begin taking Chantix, you gradually reduce cigarette usage until you stop smoking within 12 weeks. Chantix works by activating nicotine receptors in the brain, giving new ex-smokers mild nicotine-like effects to ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Note, Chantix does alter brain chemistry and may cause side effects, so talk to your doctor before using.

Stop Smoking with Zyban

Zyban (Bupropion) is prescription stop smoking aid. Zyban works by altering the brains chemistry to render nicotine to be less effective. This causes you to have less interest in smoking and it reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Zyban was originally developed as an anti-depressant before it was recommended as a stop smoking aid, and Zyban may help offset depression symptoms as well.

Stop Smoking with Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is another one of the prescription stop smoking aids. Like Zyban, Wellbutrin was originally created as an anti-depressant and works in a similar way to reduce interest in smoking. However, Wellbutrin does have its own potential side efffects that differ from Zyban. As with any prescription medications, talk with your doctor to make sure you fully understand how to take Wellbutrin to quit smoking.

Stop Smoking Patches

Stop smoking aids, such as the nicotine patch are commonly used. The nicotine patch is a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that works by providing a steady, controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day, which reduces the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Stop smoking patches is usually available in varying strengths, which can be reduced over time. Nicotine patch brands include Nicoderm CQ, Equate Nicotine Transdermal System and Habitrol Transdermal patches. Most are available over-the-counter at your local drugstore.

Stop Smoking Gum

Another nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product is nicotine gum. Typical stop smoking gum comes in two strengths: 2mg (for people smoking less than 25 cigarettes a day) and 4mg (for smokers who smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day). Stop smoking gum is marked under the brand names Nicorette, Habitrol, and Nicotrol and is available over-the-counter at drugstores.

Stop Smoking Inhaler

Currently, the only stop smoking inhaler available is a nicotine inhaler under the brand name Nicotrol. It is designed to imitates the act of smoking, but without the more harmful effects. A stop smoking inhaler comes with a kit that includes a holder shaped like a cigarette, and cartridges in 10mg and 4mg amounts to deliver nicotine and control withdrawal symptoms.

Quit Smoking App

Smartphone apps are quickly becoming one of the more popular stop smoking aids that really work. The Aeris free quit smoking app is designed to help you set up a personal quit plan and track cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cravings and quit aid usage. Aeris also has several other smoke free app features, such as money saved tracking, health recovery tracking, daily tips, educational content and instant access to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW live quitline counselors, at no charge. Also check out our review of the best quit smoking apps and boost your quit with the power of your smartphone.

Stop Smoking Hypnosis

Hypnosis occurs when when you enter an altered mental state of awareness and appear to be asleep or in a trance. Stop smoking hypnosis is a clinical form of hypnosis administered by a professional hypnotist, which is designed to treat smoking addiction. While there is still debate on whether hypnosis works, some people believe the true benefits come from helping you relax and improve your concentration, while opening your mind to suggestions, such as stopping smoking. Stop smoking hypnosis typically involves concentrating on the how smoking poisons the body and why you should respect your body and protect it. Stop smoking hypnotists are available in most major metropolitan areas, and can be found with a quit web search.

Stop Smoking Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another stop smoking aid that may help product long-term smoking cessation results. This quit aid involves using acupuncture needs, which are hair-thin needles and inserting them into various points around the ear for around 20 minutes. Studies have shown that a greater number of acupuncture sessions can lead to higher smoking cessation success rates, particularly in the first month.

Natural Quit Smoking Products

Are you interested in how to stop smoking naturally? There are now a number of natural quit smoking products available, which are made up of herbs and natural remedies. St. John’s wort is primarily used for treating depression, however, researchers are now exploring its uses for smoking cessation. While St. John’s wort does appear reasonably safe when taken by itself, it has been known to interfere with other prescription and over-the-counter stop smoking medication. Ginseng is a plant root derivative that is traditionally used to treat medical conditions. Studies have shown ginseng can prevent the release of dopamine in the brain from nicotine.

Nicotine-Free Fake Cigarettes

Nicotine-free “fake” cigarettes are another product that can help with smoking cessation. These stop smoking aids are nicotine-free plastic inhalers, designed to simulate the act of smoking cigarettes. Studies show fake cigarettes may actually hep increase the odds of smoking cessation. While fake cigarettes do not deliver nicotine to the body (they are nicotine-free, after all), when used with other NRT products, such as stop smoking gum and patches, they can help improve success rates

Vaping to Stop Smoking

While there are many people who claim to use vaping to stop smoking, this approach is not without its own risks, including nicotine addiction. Also, if you truly want to live tobacco-free, then that means at some point you will still need to quit vaping. As many ex-smokers who now vape can attest, quitting JUUL is not without its own challenges and may carry health risks. Talk to your doctor before deciding to use vaping to stop smoking.

For additional stop smoking aids, please take a look at these FDA-approved products for quitting smoking.