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Ready to Quit?

Ready to Quit?

That’s a powerful decision. You’re not “thinking about it” anymore — you’re ready.

When quitting smoking, combining nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with behavioral support significantly increases the chances of success.

Medications Can Help

Different kinds of medications are available to help you stop smoking.

 

  • They are all effective.

  • People who use medications to quit smoking are twice as likely to quit

  • People who use medications to quit smoking gain less weight and have fewer withdrawal symptoms

  • There are 4 types of nicotine medications and 2 non-nicotine medications called bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix).

  • Nicotine patch, nicotine gum and nicotine lozenge are available in stores without a doctor’s prescription.

  • Nicotine nasal spray, bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) are available with a doctor’s prescription only and are covered by Medicaid in New Jersey.

Over the Counter

Prescription

What is Your Quit Style?

1. Cold Turkey
Whether someone is quitting smoking, vaping, or any other tobacco product, quitting nicotine is difficult. It’s especially hard to quit “cold turkey” – meaning to stop abruptly without any support or nicotine replacement medications. 

2.  Taper Off
Tapering off cigarettes means gradually reducing how many you smoke each day until you quit completely. The goal is to ease withdrawal while building control, leading to zero cigarettes. You start by eliminating less important cigarettes, cut down a little every few days (about 10–25%), and adjust routines to break habits.

3.  Nicotine Replacement Products (NRT) & Support
                        RECOMMENDED
Using nicotine replacement products along with support is one of the most effective ways to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy—such as patches, gum, lozenges, or nasal sprays—helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes. Support systems—like counseling, quitlines, or support groups—help you stay motivated, manage triggers, and build coping strategies.

In short: NRT helps with the physical addiction, while support addresses the behavioral and emotional side, making it easier to quit successfully.

 

Prescription Pills

                             

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Many smokers believe that stressful situations and problems in life is the reason that they smoke.  It is important to recognize that when your body withdraws from nicotine, you may feel anxious and stressed and want to smoke.  After a short time, these feelings will go away.  Don’t confuse withdrawal  symptoms with stress.

Good News!

There are new guidlines provided by the Food & Drug Administration regarding the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

  • Keep using if you slip up and have a cigarette.

  • Use beyond 12 weeks if needed to quit.

  • There do not appear to be significant concerns if smokers use nicotine replacement products in combination with another product, for example, a long-acting skin patch with a short-acting gum.

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