All of these treatments are generally pricey. None has been proven to work. And, if you do try one, make sure you consult an expert qualified practitioner.

Books
There are a number of books on the markets which claim to help millions of people to stop smoking. If a book can help boost your motivation and willpower to succeed, that’s great. But don’t follow any advice given blindly.

Herbal treatments
Some people believe that herbal, or homeopathic remedies, can help them stop smoking. None have been clinically proven to work. If you’re interested in herbal medicine speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before reaching for your wallet. Remember, just because something’s ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Remember, tobacco’s natural.

Dummy cigarettes
These are fake cigarettes. They give you something to hold and drag on and are often tobacco flavoured. The idea is that you don’t have to miss ‘smoking behaviour’ as well as nicotine withdrawal. Dummy cigarettes are safe, nicotine-free products that anybody can use. Don’t confuse them with nicotine inhalers. Inhalers, which don’t look so like cigarettes, are an NRT product, an NRT, and shouldn’t be used by under-18s.

Adult Only: Zyban and NRT
Two very effective products that can help people stop smoking are NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) and Zyban. Zyban can’t be used by under-18s, though, and nor, usually, can NRT. That’s because they haven’t been tested on under-18s, so there’s no proof that they aren’t dangerous. If you’re 18 or older, and interested in NRT or Zyban, speak to your GP.

Remember, the idea of a stop smoking product is to help you to stop smoking. Other, general, products may be just as helpful. Sweets, for example, can be a tasty distraction and can help you to deal with cravings. Sugar-free sweets – or even better fruit – can be a healthy alternative. Spending some of the cash you’re saving – because you’re not buying cigarettes – on other things you’ll enjoy can be just as effective. Watching a top film can really lift your spirits. And you won’t be using a cessation product. So you won’t be reminded of the fact that you’re quitting, and how hard it is, and tempted to spark up.

Inhaler
You could use an inhaler for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking. Ideal for people who wish to stop smoking, but need the feel of a cigarette in their hand. This starter pack contains a mouthpiece together with six refill cartridges. Not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Patches
Nicotine patches can help you stop smoking. When you apply the patch, nicotine passes through your skin into the body, replacing the nicotine you would normally get from smoking. As your body adjusts to not smoking, you should reduce the size of the patch over a period of 12 weeks, until you no longer need to use them.

Lozenges
Lozenges contain a nicotine resin and when sucked, nicotine is released slowly from the resin and absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This nicotine relieves some of the unpleasant symptoms, such as feeling ill or irritable, that smokers frequently feel when they try to give up. The nicotine can also reduce your urge to smoke by providing some of the nicotine previously inhaled from cigarettes and helps you resist cigarettes.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been promoted for many years as being a successful aid in helping smokers to quit. However a wide range of scientific studies have not produced any clear evidence that acupuncture is effective when compared with other anti-smoking treatments.

Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy is a drug-free therapy with mixed results.