How to facilitate smoking cessation

Abstract

Despite a decline in global smoking prevalence over recent decades, cigarette smoking remains one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The cardiovascular benefits of smoking cessation are well established; however, quitting smoking remains a major challenge. In this review, we aim to highlight useful tools to support smokers in their cessation journey. These include brief counseling, cognitive and behavioral interventions, and pharmacological therapies (e.g. nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, varenicline). We also discuss evidence regarding eHealth-based interventions and the potential impact of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation. Finally, we focus on the role of public health interventions in promoting smoking cessation.

Keywords: Bupropion; E-cigarette; Nicotine; Nicotine addiction; Nicotine replacement therapy; Population-level interventions; Smoking; Varenicline; Withdrawal syndrome.