Reference data
Quit method success rates
Six-month continuous abstinence rates for the main nicotine-cessation methods, all pulled from Cochrane systematic reviews or their pivotal RCTs. The best combined evidence is a first-line medication plus structured behavioural support.
The evidence table
| Method | 6-mo abstinence | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unaided (cold turkey, no support) | ~4-7% | 6-month continuous abstinence baseline from cessation trial control arms. | Source |
| Single-form NRT (patch OR gum) | ~8-14% | About 50-70% higher than unaided, depending on dose and adherence. | Source |
| Combination NRT (patch + gum/lozenge) | ~14-19% | Cochrane first-line for smokers; outperforms single-form NRT consistently. | Source |
| Bupropion (Zyban / Wellbutrin) | ~14-19% | Similar effect size to combination NRT; useful with concurrent low mood. | Source |
| Varenicline (Chantix / Champix) | ~20-27% | Largest single-drug effect size in Cochrane; monitor mood in first weeks. | Source |
| Cytisine | ~14-22% | Comparable to varenicline in head-to-head trials; not yet FDA-approved as of 2026. | Source |
| Quitline counselling (proactive calls) | ~10-14% | Adds ~40-60% on top of unaided quits; often free. | Source |
| Text-message programs (SmokefreeTXT, This Is Quitting) | ~7-12% | Digital-only support with published RCT evidence in young adults. | Source |
| Behavioural support + medication | ~25-30%+ | Highest observed rates come from combining a medication with structured counselling. | Source |
Rates are for adult smokers or vapers in the cited populations. Individual outcomes vary. Vape-specific trials for varenicline, cytisine, and combination NRT are still smaller than the smoking evidence base; effect sizes are assumed transferable, and are being confirmed in ongoing trials.
Frequently asked
- What is the most effective way to quit vaping?
- In evidence terms, the highest six-month abstinence rates come from combining a first-line medication (varenicline, combination NRT, or bupropion) with structured behavioural support such as a quitline or CBT. Solo methods work; combined methods work better.
- How does cold turkey compare to NRT?
- Unaided quitting has a six-month abstinence rate around 4-7%. Single-form NRT roughly doubles it, and combination NRT (patch plus a fast-acting form) reaches 14-19%. Both approaches converge over time, but the first-week odds strongly favour NRT.
- Is quitting vaping easier or harder than quitting cigarettes?
- The same medications and behavioural methods work. Modern high-strength disposables can deliver more nicotine per day than a pack of cigarettes, so withdrawal severity is comparable. There is no vape-specific evidence showing the process is easier.
Related: How to quit vaping, Quit vaping cold turkey, What the research says.