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Some people can quit smoking without aids, but most require nicotine patches or less harmful alternatives to cigarettes, such as non-combustible tobacco products and vaping products.
The choice depends on to whom the smoker listens and the smoker’s preferences. Patches are promoted by pharma companies and health advocates, and they’re inherently risk free when used as directed. Few health advocates promote alternative cigarette products, tending to focus on the negative when it comes to new products, especially those promoted by large tobacco corporations. But these products serve an interesting purpose when it comes to cessation.
Some smokers just want the nicotine fix (most via patch) and to disassociate themselves from smoking entirely. Others want a product that closely resembles the taste and ritual involved with smoking. Heat-not-burn e-cigarettes do this job best (note: these are not even sold in the US yet), although tobacco flavored vaping may be a choice for some. Others like vaping alternatives that involve holding a cigarette-like delivery system but taste nothing like a cigarette, and in this sense bubble gum or mango flavors may be their favorite choice.
While it is possible, even likely, that such fruit flavors may encourage young people to try these products, should we deny those trying to stop smoking from all of the choices possible? Finding a lower-risk alternative to smoking should remain the priority, since as much as any addiction — nicotine included — can be worrying, smoking is the main threat.
While fruit flavors may encourage young people to try these products, should we deny those trying to stop smoking from all of the choices possible?
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