Kicking the Habit Trivia Quiz

Answer: Nicotine patch

Transdermally means "through the skin". The nicotine patch, usually obtained through one's doctor, is applied directly to the skin for a set amount of time daily and releases the prescribed dosage of nicotine through the skin. Typically the dosage is decreased over time to gradually wean the patient from the drug. It is recommended that one stop smoking completely before using the patch.

I have no personal experience with this method, but know people who successfully kicked the habit using the patch. In clinical trials it has proved to be twice as effective as a placebo, indicating (to me, at least) that something more than willpower and/or power of suggestion is at work.

Answer: Headache

Whilst all of these methods of nicotine replacement therapy can cause headaches in users, only patches are known to cause skin irritation. On the other hand, throat irritation and nausea are not associated with patches. Smoking itself also causes headaches, so suffering through a few caused by any of these quitting methods may well be worthwhile.

Of all of these, the only one I have experience with is the gum, in one of my early unsuccessful bids to kick the habit. Put down my failure that time to the bad taste the gum left in my mouth and lack of commitment.

Answer: False

Other medications, that do not contain nicotine, may be prescribed to help the smoker kick the habit. These include bupropion and varenicline, each known by various names commercially. They help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but do not have the ability by themselves to rid one of the habit.

My personal quit plan did not involve any medication such as these.

Answer: Unwrapping a stick of gum

Selecting and unwrapping a piece of gum most closely approximates the selection and lighting of a smoke, and while chewing gum can also become a bad habit it doesn't have the same social stigma or health concerns as smoking. The other three choices range from annoying to embarrassing, and don't approximate the ritual.

Keeping the gum in the same pocket as once held the cigarettes enhances the feeling that the ritual is being maintained. My personal choice was ordinary sugar-free peppermint flavoured gum and after awhile I was able to give up the ritual completely.

Answer: Canada

Starting in December of 2000, Canadian cigarette packages have displayed graphic images covering half of each side of the sleeve. One side has the warning in English, the other in French. The UK's requirement for warning images dates from 2007, Spain's from 2011 and the USA's from 2012.

I have to say that these horrific images have had little impact on my success in kicking the habit. Much more effective for me are the advertisements and brochures that tell the benefits of quitting, many of which I can confirm really do happen when you quit.

Answer: False

A smoker who tries to quit by cutting down or cutting back is most likely doing so on his or her own, using willpower to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked each day with no clear plan to follow. Relapse to former levels is common. Nicotine fading is a strategy often used in quit smoking groups or courses that calls for a reduction of nicotine intake over a limited time, with a quit date in mind. Not only does the smoker reduce the number of cigarettes daily, but often switches to a brand containing less nicotine. Withdrawal symptoms will still occur, but may be significantly reduced.

A form of nicotine fading, along with other ploys and incentives, was employed in the quit smoking course that allowed me to successfully kick the habit.

Answer: Herbal remedies

Once banned in the USA, lobelia has been used not only in herbal cigarettes, but also in tablet form. The active ingredient, lobeline, mimics nicotine to some degree but is not addictive. Most sources also agree that it is ineffective in helping one quit smoking. Psychologically, one might feel some benefit, however.

None of these therapies figured in my own journey to non-smoking.

Answer: Fresh fruit

The vitamin C in fresh fruit will be of great benefit, not least in helping to reduce the wrinkles that come with smoking. Also, fruit should satisfy the craving for something sweet that might exist in the new non-smoker. The other snacks listed will be likely to start adding on some weight.

Soon after quitting I couldn't get enough oranges. It's really a wonder I didn't turn orange.

Answer: Almost immediately

Depending on which source you read, one's heart rate will drop to normal in between twenty minutes and six hours. The benefits keep coming as time passes, including improved lung function, better circulation and reduced risk of all sorts of diseases.

I still wheeze a little bit, but long bouts of coughing are a thing of the past. My fingers are no longer nicotine-stained, my complexion is better and I enjoy exercising on a regular basis.

Answer: True

Although some methods have a proven record of success, everyone who tries to kick the habit of smoking has to find the one that works for them. It might take several tries to find the right one, but it is worth persevering until you find it. When you do not only will you start to feel healthier, your friends, family and pets will no longer breathe in your second-hand smoke, your clothes won't smell of tobacco and you'll have more energy to get on with life.

If you are trying to quit smoking I wish you the best of luck. If you don't smoke, please don't start. If there is a "magic bullet" it is never taking up the habit in the first place.