Over the past 10 years, smoking, and smoking alternatives have been a regular source of conversation and debate. Thanks in part to the UK smoking ban in 2007, many people were forced to seek out alternatives to help them through long periods in enclosed public spaces. Others used the ban as an opportunity to quit smoking. In addition to the smokers that changed their habits due to the ban, many people make the choice to reduce their nicotine intake or quit completely on a daily basis for a host of reasons including health conditions, cost, or situational changes.
If you're looking for an alternative to smoking, here are 5 of the most popular options currently available.
Vaping
Vaping has grown and evolved over the last 10 years from basic cigarette-a-likes to a whole variety of mods, pods, and devices. Vaping is a great alternative to traditional cigarettes, providing the nicotine you are craving without the 1000s of harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Also, as many smokers will admit, cigarettes don't particularly taste nice, so the vast number of flavours available make vaping a more enjoyable choice.
E-liquids are produced with and without nicotine, so you can gradually reduce your intake at a pace you're comfortable with. And when you get down to 0%, you can continue to vape all of your favourite flavours or stop completely.
Figures suggest that people using vaping products in combination with NHS Stop Smoking Services in England have a quit-success rate of between 59.7% and 74%.
Snus
Popular in Scandinavian countries, Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that has gained a loyal following over the last few years. Snus is a moist powered tobacco pouch that users place under their top lip. Snus is considered less harmful than cigarettes, however, not completely safe. Snus users have a higher chance of certain health conditions including diabetes, heart failure, and cheek and gum cancers.
In Sweden and Norway, the use of Snus has lowered smoking rates, with people using it as a smoking alternative or a way to quit. Sweden has placed limits on the number of chemicals that can be placed in their Snus. Other countries haven't followed suit with their regulations, so Snus hasn't achieved the same status.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches have been available to buy over the counter since 1996. In recent years, the popularity of nicotine patches has declined in favour of new smoking alternatives.
Nicotine patches are worn on the skin throughout the day (and in some cases, the night) and provide a steady dose of nicotine. Patches are typically available in 21mg, 14mg, and 7mg, allowing users to reduce their dose gradually. Patches can cause side effects such as sleep disruption, headaches, vomiting, and abnormal heartbeat. Smoking whilst using the patches also carries the risk of nicotine overdose.
Nicotine patches are classed as an effective method of quitting smoking as they are easy to use.
Nicotine gum & lozenges
Nicotine gum and lozenges deliver nicotine in the form of a chewing gum or tablet sized lozenge. They are available in different flavours such as fruit or mint, typically with 1mg, 2mg, or 4mg of nicotine. Doses are spaced over several hours, depending on how long after waking you usually have your first cigarette.
There are several side effects associated with nicotine gums and lozenges including mouth, tooth, and jaw problems, blisters in the mouth, nausea, and vomiting. Again, smoking whilst using the gum or lozenges can result in nicotine overdose.
Both nicotine gum and lozenges are effective in improving your chances of quitting smoking, however, some smokers may favour alternative methods as the nicotine takes longer to reach the brain so the hit is slower, additional doses may be required to satisfy strong cravings, and it is advised not to eat or drink for 15 minutes before or after use as acid may affect nicotine absorption.
Prescription nasal sprays & inhalers
Nicotine nasal sprays and inhalers are only available with a prescription. They work by inhaling a measured dose of nicotine that is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Some users find nasal sprays and inhalers ineffective on their own and require a combination of treatments to quit smoking successfully. Side effects include sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and watering eyes. There is also a possibility of addiction and nicotine overdose.