According to a researcher at the University of Newcastle, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), treatments such as patches, gum and lozenges should not be regarded as “magic bullets” for helping people to quit, as they have not proven effective when used alone.

Australians spend millions of dollars each year on NRT treatments and about a third of quitters rely purely on NRT and don’t seek the expertise of a doctor or counselling service.

But NRT must be used for at least six weeks in order to be effective, and most quitters use it for less than 2 weeks because they don’t address the other factors that make them crave cigarettes, such as their lifestyle.

Dr Walsh says smokers need extra counselling and support from a doctor, Quit helpline, or self-help book in order to make changes in their life to help them quit smoking.

Have you, or has someone you know, quit successfully using NRT treatment? Do you think it is effective? What additional measures did you find useful to help you kick the habit?

Share your experience.

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