Quit Methods

Quit methods: what the evidence says

No single method works for everyone. The strongest evidence supports medication plus behavioral support — but the best method is the one you will actually use consistently.

Prescription Medication

Bupropion

An antidepressant medication also licensed for smoking cessation, which reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Evidence strength: Strong

Varenicline

A prescription medication that reduces both craving and the rewarding effect of nicotine. Among the most effective single medications.

Evidence strength: Strong

Unaided

Cold Turkey: Quitting Abruptly

Stopping all smoking on a set quit date, without medication or gradual reduction. The most common way people quit.

Evidence strength: Moderate

Combination

Combination Approaches

Using more than one method together — for example patch plus gum, or medication plus counseling — which tends to work better than any single method.

Evidence strength: Strong

Medication

Cytisine

A plant-derived medication that works similarly to varenicline and has a long history of use in some countries.

Evidence strength: Moderate

Digital

Digital Programs and Text Support

Automated programs, SMS support and online quit platforms that deliver structured help on a phone.

Evidence strength: Moderate

Behavioral

Gradual Reduction Before Quitting

Cutting down the number of cigarettes per day on a schedule before stopping completely.

Evidence strength: Moderate

Behavioral Support

Individual Counseling

Structured one-to-one support sessions that build quit plans and coping skills.

Evidence strength: Strong

Peer Support Communities

Online and in-person quit communities where people quitting together share experiences and encouragement.

Evidence strength: Limited

Quitlines (Telephone Support)

Free or low-cost telephone coaching services available in many countries, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW in the US.

Evidence strength: Strong

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine Gum

Chewing gum that releases nicotine to relieve cravings quickly when they appear.

Evidence strength: Strong

Nicotine Lozenge

A dissolvable lozenge that releases nicotine slowly in the mouth, similar to gum but without chewing.

Evidence strength: Strong

Nicotine Patch

A skin patch that delivers nicotine steadily through the day, reducing withdrawal symptoms without the behavior of smoking.

Evidence strength: Strong

How to read the evidence labels

  • Strong: multiple high-quality trials or reviews agree.
  • Moderate: good evidence with some uncertainty.
  • Limited: promising but few or small studies.
  • Mixed: studies disagree.

Community experience is reported separately on each page — what people experienced is not the same as what trials measured. The evidence-by-method comparison, with strength ratings, lives in the Data Center.

Medication pages

For NRT, varenicline, bupropion and cytisine, see the dedicated medication evidence pages.

View Medications