Category One: Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

The idea is simple and effective: give your body the dose of nicotine it's used to, but without the tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of other harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. This helps you focus on breaking the habit of smoking itself (the psychological and behavioral side), while the physical addiction is managed.

Most Common Types:

Category Two: Prescription Medications

These are non-nicotine drugs that work very differently. They affect brain chemistry to reduce the desire to smoke and make the experience of smoking itself less pleasant and satisfying.

How do they work? Some types prevent nicotine from binding to certain receptors in the brain, reducing the pleasure smoking provides. Others work on the neurotransmitters that cause withdrawal symptoms.

Very Important Note: These medications must only be taken under full medical supervision. A doctor will determine if they are suitable for your health condition and prescribe the correct dosage.

How to Choose the Right Ally for You?

The best and safest answer is: by consulting a doctor or pharmacist. There is no single "best" product for everyone. The choice depends on several factors:

• How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
• What situations trigger your desire to smoke the most?
• Do you have any specific medical conditions?
• What were your experiences with previous quit attempts?

A professional will help you develop a comprehensive plan and may sometimes suggest combining two types (like using patches for continuous control with gum for emergencies).