Millions of people in the UK use vaping to quit smoking (source: ash.org.uk) … but what other options are out there? If vaping isn’t for you, what tools can you use to break free of tobacco? In this guide we’ll look at the UK’s alternatives to vaping. We’ll give you a quick and candid explanation of the other tools that can help you kick the smoking habit once and for all.
Expert Behavioural Support
This isn’t a product, but it’s by far the most important quit-smoking tool available. If you want to quit cigarettes, make an appointment with your local Stop Smoking counsellor as soon as you can. It’s proven to be the best way to boost your chances of success (source: gov.uk). The NHS Stop Smoking service helps more people quit for good. It’s also free, so there really is no excuse not to make the most of it.
Nicotine Gums & Lozenges
Nicotine gum has been around since the eighties. Nicotine gum has one advantage over vaping in that it’s very discreet — you don’t need to go outside to use it. A quitter can take nicotine-infused chewing gum whenever their cravings threaten to overwhelm their resolve. This convenience can increase your addiction if you’re not careful, however. The risk with gums (and lozenges) is that you might end up consuming more nicotine than your previous smoking routine allowed (if you no longer need to leave your desk to consume nicotine, there’s a real risk that you’ll consume more nicotine over the course of the day). It’s still a very convenient and fast-acting product that you can keep in your pocket.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches are like plasters that you stick straight on to your skin. Patches deliver a constant dose of nicotine, through the skin, for hours at a time. They can be very helpful for heavy smokers, especially when paired with gums, sprays or lozenges. Unlike vaping, patches don’t do anything to mimic the action of smoking. You should talk to your doctor and/or your Stop Smoking advisor before you start using patches. Expect to take patches for at least 12 weeks.
Nicotine Sprays & Inhalators
We love the idea behind this product — it’s fast-acting and can be carried around in your pocket or bag for when you need it. You can also buy sprays infused with nicotine from most pharmacies and big supermarkets. These products are designed to be consumed on an as-needed basis; as soon as you feel a craving, you’re meant to take one or two quick sprays of the nicotine-infused liquid. Just like patches and gum, you should speak to a professional before you start using this product.
Pouches
Nicotine pouches, or nicopods, work in a similar way to Scandinavian snuss. You simply tuck the pouch between your top lip and your gums, then leave it there for up to 45 minutes. Nicotine seeps out of the pouch and is absorbed into your bloodstream through your gums.
We stock a range of tobacco-free nicotine pouches in a handful of hot, cold and sweet flavours. Each pouch packs a 30mg punch, so they’re unsuitable for anyone who is not already a heavy smoker. Browse our full range of nicotine pouches here.
IQOS
IQOS is the latest tobacco product from Philip Morris (the company behind more than 100 cigarette brands, including Marlboro and Benson & Hedges). In the IQOS device, real tobacco is heated rather than burned. Some (but not all) of the harmful chemicals inhaled by smokers when they light up a normal cigarette are avoided this way, because the tobacco isn’t burned. That’s how IQOS can promise to be less harmful than cigarettes.
This is a relatively new product, and as of April 2024 we are stocking it (see our IQOS page here). Please bear in mind that heated tobacco is on the list of products that will be age-restricted in the UK under the Tobacco and Vapes bill (see gov.uk). The government’s advice is that “... there is no safe level of tobacco consumption. All tobacco products are harmful.”
Prescription Medicines
If you suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms, you may be able to get medicines from your doctor to help. Prescription medicines don’t contain nicotine — they help you fight the mood swings and cravings that accompany nicotine withdrawal.
As of April 2024, there are two medicines available on prescription: Bupropion and Cytisine. Bupropion is an antidepressant drug that can help with smoking cessation. Cytisine works by attaching to the same receptors as nicotine would. There was a third option, varenicline, but for now this has been withdrawn. You can learn about these prescription medicines on the NHS website and speak to your doctor if you feel they could benefit you.
Summary
That’s it! We hope this brief guide gives you a good overview of what else is out there. Just remember that the hardest way to quit is to do so unaided, or with willpower alone (source: gov.uk). Talk to a professional and get the help you need to quit smoking. You won’t regret it.
Stay safe and happy vaping!
John Boughey