Cutting down on cigarettes?!

The bad news is despite claims many of which come from companies that market NRT (nicotine replacement therapy,) reducing the number of cigarettes is a very unsuccessful way to lead up to stopping. Most individuals quickly return to their original consumption levels at the slightest provocation. Generally smoking is an all or nothing phenomenon. Why not replace ALL your cigarettes with NRT. This doubles your chances of eventually giving up. It is often a good idea to use 2 forms at once for example a patch to give sustained nicotine levels and an inhalator, gum or microtabs for moments of potential weakness.

EDIT Nice to see such a large number of sensible comments, not all that common in the medical section I am afraid.

GP for more years than I care to remember

cutting down does help, of course it does. With cutting to ten a day, you'd be taking in half as much tar and all the other chemicals as you would be with 20, that's just logic! Things that helped me cut back and eventually stop were- limiting to one per hour.. Sparking up, smoking about a third, then chipping it out and having the next third later, then the final third much later.. And only half taking in each puff, like take a drag, but let half of it out before taking it down, and only then just taking it in until you feel it in your throat then blow out before it reaches your chest.. If that makes sense? Also keeping yourself busy and entering situations where you can't just spark one up, such as taking a longer bus journey as opposed to a quick car or train journey. Good luck!

If makes no difference cutting back, it all bad anyway. Best thing to do it find the will to cut them all out together, I know you've tried three times already but maybe you go get some help from your doctor, they might be able to point you in the direction of support groups to give you advice and even free patches and inhalators to help quit.

You need to cut it out completely. I tried several methods over many years and failed. The solution for me was to go to my GP and ask for help. She made an appointment to see a specialist nurse who gave me help and advice. IT WORKED. My health has improved, I don't smell of smoke anymore and I have saved a small fortune. Try it you have nothing to lose. Good luck.

Wean your self off because you body is stiil feeding off the addictive chbemical that is now in your system it may take months or even a year but It will eventeuly leave. Cold turkey is not good doesent work.

Personal experience (from 3 pks to 1 pk a day

Smoking 10 a day instead of 20 has got to be better for your health, I did that for a few years, and I found I spent most of my time looking forward to the next ciggy. now I have given it up, life is so much better. Good Luck

Cutting down by 50% probably doesn't improve your outcome by 50%, but less bad is definitely more good.

If cutting back is what you can manage for now, then cut back. It's less bad.

Try smoking something called green smoke it is medicine and it makes you stop smoking.

Far harder to wean off than to stop altogether . Even a few a day can harm your lungs .