Decline in UK Smokers Turning to Traditional Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Jul.14.2022
Decline in UK Smokers Turning to Traditional Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Traditional smoking has declined in the UK by 52% in 6 years, with only 1.8% successfully quitting through the NHS. Electronic cigarettes offer new opportunities.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, the number of smokers who quit through traditional nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) reached a historic low of 3.3% in the 2019/20 year, a 52% decrease from 2013/14 when the number was 7.3%. This suggests that more and more smokers are turning to innovative nicotine replacement products as smoking rates continue to decline.


New data reveals that in the 2019/20 period, only 1.8% of smokers who utilized NHS services were successful in quitting after four weeks. This marks a 51% decrease from the 13/14 period. Despite this, the percentage of smokers in England continues to decline, reaching a historic low of 13.9%, with the number of former smokers switching to e-cigarettes rising from 11.7% to 12.3%.


Following the release of data, a study has cautioned ex-smokers not to underestimate the likelihood of relapse, with alcohol being the third most common trigger for smoking. Conducted by online UK e-cigarette retailer, Vape Club, the study summarises the main reasons for relapse as follows:


Based on your experience, when do you feel the strongest desire to smoke? (Select up to three options)


When under pressure, 227 individuals account for 40.8%.


During times of anxiety, 161 individuals or 28.9% of the total population experienced it.


When drinking alcohol - going out with friends/family 138, accounting for 24.8%.


When active smokers go out, 107 of them (19.2%) do so.


When feeling down, 96 individuals or 17.2 percent indicate that they experience feelings of discouragement or despair.


I do not have a craving for cigarettes." (Note: this is already in English, but not in standard journalistic style. The standard journalistic style would be to use complete sentences and avoid using numbers and percentages in place of words.)


When feeling lonely, 82 individuals reported a percentage of 14.7%.


When drinking at home, 80 people make up 14.4% of the total.


When the workplace is exhausted, 47 8.4%.


When experiencing poor mental health, 42 individuals or 7.5% reported discomfort.


Meanwhile, the NHS has just released a guide outlining the steps tobacco manufacturers must follow to submit their products as smoking cessation tools for approval.


The guide, which was released in October, stipulates that any approved electronic cigarette product will only be available with a doctor's prescription. Health Minister Sajid Javid said, "This country remains a global leader in healthcare, whether it's our rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine or our innovative public health measures, reducing the risk of people developing serious illnesses.


Javid added, "Opening the door to licensed electronic cigarettes as regulated by the NHS could potentially address the significant differences in smoking rates across the country, and help people quit smoking regardless of where they live or their background.


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