A Million Smokers in England struggle to Quit Due to Ineffective Methods, Study Reveals
Every year, a million smokers in England attempt to quit using methods with little chance of success,according to new research. The study, led by Dr. Sarah Jackson of university College London, highlights a stark divide in the effectiveness of smoking cessation strategies, with nearly half (49%) of would-be quitters relying on willpower or over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like gum and patches. These methods, while popular, substantially reduce the likelihood of success.
In contrast, strategies such as varenicline, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products are far more effective, as confirmed by findings published in JAMA Network. The research, funded by cancer Research UK, analysed the outcomes of 25,094 smokers in England who attempted to quit in 2024.
The Divide in Quitting Methods
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The study reveals a troubling split: while 40% of smokers in England tried to quit last year, the numbers using the most and least effective methods were almost evenly divided. Two in five smokers attempted to quit without any support, a method known as “cold turkey.” Although this approach is popular, it is one of the least effective.
“While it’s possible to quit ‘cold turkey,’ attempts to stop smoking are much more likely to be prosperous if they involve the use of evidence-based support,” said Dr. Jackson.She likened quitting smoking to rolling two dice and trying to land two sixes. “When people use the most effective smoking cessation methods, it’s like one of the dice is taken away. Now they only have to roll one six, so they are more likely to be successful.”
The Role of Support Services
The findings have sparked calls for smoking cessation services to promote more effective methods, including websites, face-to-face behavioural support, and prescribed NRT. Dr. Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s executive director of policy, urged the government to commit to funding stop-smoking services until 2029.
An NHS England spokesperson emphasized the importance of personalized support: “By offering Nice-recommended personal stop-smoking support, the NHS is giving people the best chance to quit, and we are continuing to drive down smoking rates, which have dropped by more than half over the last three decades.”
The Department of health and Social Care also highlighted its commitment to helping smokers quit,announcing an additional £70 million investment in local stop-smoking services and efforts to integrate smoking cessation interventions into routine hospital care.
A Growing Trend of Quitting Attempts
The proportion of smokers attempting to quit has risen significantly, from 29% in 2019 to 38% in 2024. Success rates have also improved, climbing from 14.2% to 27.1% over the same period. However, Dr. Jackson stressed the need for better communication to inform smokers about the most effective methods.
“Better communication, including mass media campaigns, is needed to tell smokers which quitting methods are most likely to work,” she said.
Key Takeaways: Effective vs. Ineffective Methods
To summarize the study’s findings, here’s a breakdown of the most and least effective smoking cessation methods:
| Method | Effectiveness | notes |
|———————————|——————-|—————————————————————————|
| Varenicline | High | Prescription drug with proven success rates. |
| E-cigarettes | High | Effective choice to traditional cigarettes. |
| Heated Tobacco Products | High | Reduces harmful chemicals compared to smoking. |
| Prescribed NRT | Moderate | More effective when combined with behavioural support. |
| Over-the-counter NRT (gum, patches) | Low | Less effective without professional guidance. |
| Willpower (“cold turkey”) | Very Low | Popular but least effective method. |
A Call to Action
For smokers looking to quit, the message is clear: evidence-based support significantly increases the chances of success. Whether through personalized action plans or professional guidance, the right tools can make all the difference.
As Dr. Jackson aptly put it, “Quit success rates could be improved by encouraging people to use more effective methods.” With the right support, the journey to a smoke-free life becomes not just possible, but probable.
Interview with Dr. Sarah Jackson on Smoking Cessation Strategies
Editor: Dr.Jackson, your recent study highlights a significant divide in the effectiveness of smoking cessation methods. Can you elaborate on the key findings?
Dr. Sarah Jackson: Certainly.our research,published in JAMA Network, analyzed data from over 25,000 smokers in england. We found that nearly half of those attempting to quit relied on willpower or over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like gum and patches. These methods, while accessible, are far less effective compared to evidence-based approaches such as varenicline, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products.
Editor: Why do you think so many smokers still opt for less effective methods like “cold turkey”?
Dr. Jackson: It’s a combination of accessibility and awareness. Many smokers believe that quitting through sheer willpower is achievable, and while it’s possible, the success rates are substantially lower. Our study shows that two in five smokers attempt to quit without any support, which is one of the least effective strategies. I frequently enough compare quitting smoking to rolling two dice and trying to land two sixes. Using evidence-based methods is like removing one die—it increases the odds of success.
Editor: What role do support services play in improving quit rates?
Dr. Jackson: Support services are crucial. personalized interventions, such as face-to-face behavioral support and prescribed NRT, can make a ample difference. For instance, the NHS England has been instrumental in driving down smoking rates by offering tailored stop-smoking support. However, there’s a need for better communication to inform smokers about the moast effective methods. Mass media campaigns could play a pivotal role in this.
Editor: Your study also mentions a growing trend in quitting attempts. Can you share more about this?
Dr. Jackson: Absolutely. The proportion of smokers attempting to quit has risen from 29% in 2019 to 38% in 2024. Success rates have also improved, climbing from 14.2% to 27.1% over the same period. This is encouraging, but we need to ensure that smokers are equipped with the best tools to succeed. The right action plan can make all the difference.
Editor: What are your key recommendations for smokers looking to quit?
Dr. Jackson: My advice is to seek evidence-based support. Whether it’s through prescribed medications like varenicline,e-cigarettes,or behavioral support,these methods significantly increase the likelihood of success. Quitting smoking is challenging,but with the right tools and guidance,it becomes not just possible,but probable.
Conclusion
Dr. sarah Jackson’s research underscores the importance of using effective smoking cessation methods to improve quit rates. While willpower and over-the-counter NRT remain popular, evidence-based strategies like varenicline, e-cigarettes, and personalized support services offer a far greater chance of success. With better communication and access to these tools, more smokers can achieve a smoke-free life.
