Quitting smoking is undoubtedly one of the most challenging endeavors that individuals can undertake as they seek to improve their health. According to a JAMA article, each year, approximately 30% to 50% of US smokers make a quit attempt, with only 7.5% managing to succeed. Worse yet, the World Health Organization found that out of the 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide, only 30% have access to the tools they need to kick the habit for good.
Considering smartphones’ ubiquity, experts and technology companies have recognized an opportunity to widen access to tobacco cessation programs by harnessing the power of digital technologies. Enter quit-smoking apps: mobile applications designed to provide smokers with the support, guidance, and resources they need to quit smoking successfully. But just how effective are these digital tools in helping smokers quit? Let’s explore below.
How Effective are Quit-Smoking Apps
As a study from the Journal of Medical Internet Research highlighted, the advantages of using a smartphone app-based intervention include its ease of use – these apps can be used anywhere at any time – the ability to provide visual information via video, and the ability to deliver interventions on a large scale. They are also highly personalized, usually prompting users to input information like age, mood, time, and level of nicotine dependence in order to tailor various in-app features. Moreover, many cessation apps are free or low-cost, making them an affordable option for those looking to quit.
However, in the same study, researchers also looked at the effectiveness of quit-smoking apps for smoking abstinence. After a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials to determine the impact of smartphone app-based smoking cessation interventions, researchers failed to prove that digital cessation interventions alone were effective for smoking abstinence.
The study concluded that while quit-smoking apps can be a valuable tool in the quitting process, smokers can maximize their efficacy by adopting other strategies alongside their use.
Tips for Maximizing Digital Cessation Apps
An article from the Mayo Clinic reveals that only about 5% of people who attempt to quit manage to do so without a quit-smoking product. As such, smokers can greatly benefit from exploring smoking alternatives like nicotine pouches, gum, or lozenges.
Nicotine pouches are small pouches made with nicotine, flavorings, and food-grade fillers. Unlike traditional tobacco products, nicotine pouches are smoke-free and do not involve the inhalation of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. By delivering a controlled dose of nicotine, pouches alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, ultimately addressing the physical aspect of quitting.
Additionally, popular brands like ZYN and VELO are available in various strengths, ranging from 2 mg to 6 mg, in flavors such as cinnamon, citrus, and spearmint, which allows users to tailor their use accordingly. ZYN also has a loyalty program that enables users to earn points and redeem them for discounts, free items, and other special deals. The program also puts you in touch with a community of individuals who are trying to quit smoking with the aid of ZYN pouches and can help offer you support on your quit journey.
Aside from pouches, smokers can turn to NRTs such as Solace nicotine gum or Lucy nicotine lozenges. Similar to pouches, nicotine gum and lozenges provide a measured dose of nicotine, typically ranging between 2 mg and 6 mg, to help smokers manage cravings and eventually quit. Solace nicotine gum is available in cinnamon, cool mint, and fruit medley flavors, while Lucy lozenges come in mint, cherry ice, and citrus variants.
By providing users with support, guidance, and resources, quit apps can be a valuable tool for smokers who want to quit. But to improve smokers’ chances of quitting, they should also consider incorporating other strategies, such as exploring smoking alternatives, into their quit plan. With the right combination of tools and support, smokers can overcome their tobacco addiction and begin living a healthier, smoke-free life.
