6 ways to quit smoking

Although their numbers have dropped drastically -- only 20 per cent of Canadians smoke today compared with about 50 per cent back in 1965 -- a significant five million people keep puffing away. A nicotine habit is probably as difficult to break as an addiction to heroin and that's perhaps why an estimated 95 per cent of smokers who try to quit cold turkey will fail. If you or a loved one is planning to quit, your chances of success could double if you try one or more of the following stop-smoking aids.

1. Nicotine patch
What it is
An adhesive square, similar to a bandage, containing slow-release nicotine. Comes in 21-, 14- and seven- milligram strengths. (Smokers typically ingest about one milligram of nicotine for each cigarette smoked.)

Where it's available
Available at drugstores across the country.

Advantages
Releases a constant supply of nicotine. Lasts 24 hours.

Drawbacks/side-effects
Can't be adjusted for strong cravings. Can cause sleep disturbances when not removed at night.

What it costs
About $4.30 per day.

2. Nicotine gum
What it is
A sugarless gum containing two or four milligrams of nicotine. Maximum daily dose: 20 to 30 pieces.

Where it's available
Available at drugstores across the country.

Advantages
Convenient to use. Flexible dosing. Faster nicotine intake than the patch.

Drawbacks/side-effects
Can cause stomach upset, hiccups and sore teeth or jaw. The four-milligram gum can be habit-forming.*

What it costs
About $6.50 per day for the maximum dose of 20 pieces.

3. Nicotine inhaler
What it is
A cartridge that delivers nicotine when you puff on it. A four-milligram cartridge has the equivalent amount of nicotine of about two cigarettes (minus all the harmful additives) and lasts about 20 minutes of continuous puffing. Maximum recommended daily dose: 16 cartridges.

Where it's available
Available at drugstores across the country.

Advantages
Simple, flexible and dose-controlled. Mimics the hand-to-mouth behaviour of smoking, which can make quitting less stressful.

Drawbacks/side-effects
Can irritate the lining of the mouth. Can be habit-forming.*

What it costs
About $15 per day for the maximum recommended dose of 16 cartridges.

* The four-milligram gum and inhaler can be habit-forming; however, studies show only one per cent of people are still using nicotine gum after one year. Furthermore, studies suggest that relying on these replacement products is much healthier than smoking.

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