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What’s the Best Way to Quit Smoking or Vaping?

Nicotine is one of the most addicting substances around, with some experts rating the addiction level as high as heroin or cocaine. The science behind dependence has exploded in the past few years, and the amount of tools to promote cessation has similarly multiplied. Even though quitting is hard, it’s far from impossible; it’s easier now, more than ever, to set the cigarette or the vape down for good.

If you’re thinking about quitting, you might be interested in knowing your options. To help, we’ve made a chart to help you compare the pros and cons of all the nicotine cessation tools, so that you can make the best choice for you. Our findings, however, do indicate that NRT or Nicotine Replacement Therapy, coupled with behavioral support, leads to the best outcomes.

What is Zyn—and what’s the catch?

   

Type

Pros

Cons

Top Brands

Lozenges (NRT)

Fast-acting, discreet, oral fixation, FDA-approved

Some users need to learn proper dosing

Jones , Nicorette, Fum (zero-nic)

Nicotine Pouches

Discreet, no inhalation, satisfies oral habits

Contains high doses of nicotine, can lead to addiction and cause gum irritation

Zyn, Velo, Rogue, Lucy

Caffeine Pouches

No nicotine, may boost energy, oral relief

Doesn’t manage nicotine withdrawal

Grinds, Teaza

CBD Pouches

May ease stress, no nicotine

No NRT benefit, doesn’t manage nicotine withdrawal, mild effects only

Cannadips

Nicotine Gum

Readily available NRT, flexible use

Can irritate mouth, awkward for some

Nicorette, Basic Care, Blip

Nicotine Patches

Easy once-daily use, delivers consistent nicotine

No oral relief, slow-acting

NicoDerm CQ, Nicoderm

Zero-Nicotine Vapes

Mimics behavior without nicotine

Reinforces vaping habit, doesn’t address physical cravings

Ripple, Fum, Health Vape, Hello Kanna, Spaceman

Inhalers

Mimics hand-to-mouth behavior, quick use

Doesn’t manage withdrawal effectively

Nicorette Inhaler, Monq, VitaStik

Breathing Tools

Calming, discreet, supports deep breathing

Doesn’t address addiction or cravings

Kamuso, Generic Breathing Necklace

Toothpicks

Helps with oral habits, easy to use

Doesn’t reduce cravings or withdrawal

Blip

Cold Turkey

Free, no ongoing product use

Intense withdrawal, low success rate without support

N/A

Lozenges: A Practical, Proven Path to Quitting

ones NRT mints work by combining a number of different strategies. First, there’s the science component; mints come in 4 mg and 2 mg of nicotine, which helps manage cravings and stave off the worst side effects of withdrawal. Since there are two options for strength (as well as a quit plan), you end up using less nicotine, while simultaneously avoiding the harsh chemicals and additives found in vapes.

The Jones approach ultimately delivers more than just a mint. Science shows that NRT mints are twice as effective when combined with behavioral support. Turns out, when you have someone cheering you on from the sidelines, you’re more likely to quit for good. That’s why we’ve created our companion app, which tracks your progress, sends motivational tips and tricks, and helps you locate your triggers so you can change your habits over time. We even have an AI coach, Coach Jones, that can help answer any specific, personal, or “awkward” questions you have.

Taken together, Jones mints help you taper off nicotine, while letting you stay in the driver’s seat. Quitting is an intimate process, and only you know what you need at any given time. We’re here to help along the way.

Oral Pouches

Pouches have gained traction as a nicotine alternative in the past few years, but they’re not always helpful when it comes to quitting. Depending on the ingredients, they can support you on your quit journey or keep you stuck in your dependency. Some pouches, for instance, contain high levels of nicotine, which can maintain addiction. Other solutions, including caffeine and CBD pouches, don’t always tackle withdrawal symptoms efficiently. Most often, the latter two work best as supplements and not as your first line of defense.

Nicotine Pouches

Pouches like Zyn, Velo, and Rogue have grown increasingly popular—influencers, celebrities, and athletes have all been caught using them in recent months. Their clean delivery and their discreet packaging make them particularly appealing for users who don’t like the mess and smell of cigarettes and vapes.

However, these products very often contain intense levels of nicotine, and using them often just leads to further addiction. While some users do report that they eventually move away from nicotine, they often struggle with the intense “dump” of nicotine they provide. To truly quit , you’ll need a step-by-step plan to taper down nicotine use. Jones, by combining both NRT mints and a supportive app, can help you say goodbye to vaping and all nicotine once and for all.

Caffeine Pouches

Caffeine-based pouches like Grinds or Teaza have made a splash as a less intense alternative to nicotine pouches. While it’s true that they deliver a light buzz and often satisfy the need to have something in the mouth, they don’t address nicotine dependence directly. They may be a fun supplement, but they don’t ultimately address all aspects of nicotine dependence—they neither reduce cravings or help you understand your triggers. Plus, you may find yourself dependent on caffeine, in the meantime.

CBD Pouches

All CBD-infused pouches, such as Cannadips, market themselves as a stress relieving agent. While they are potentially relaxing, they don’t contain any nicotine, meaning that they won’t actually stop your cravings from occurring. What’s more, they often contain a small amount of THC, which is not tied to successful quitting. If stress is a major part of your quit journey, these pouches may be a helpful supplement, but they simply aren’t enough to be considered a full quit solution.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum, like Nicorette, has been a classic cessation aid for decades. The gum itself is available in various flavors and doses and has been proven to be effective when chewed and “parked” in the mouth.

Still, some users cite how awkward it is to use, both because the gum, which often loses its textural integrity, has to stay in your mouth. Chewing gum can also be uncomfortable or disrespectful in certain public settings. Jones mints provide the same benefit, but are much more discreet and comfortable to leave in the mouth. No mess, no noise, nothing but relief.

Nicotine Patches

Patches, much like gum, have a long history of success when it comes to quitting. They are a great option for users who want a hands-off experience and want to be sure they are receiving a consistent, slow stream of nicotine throughout the day.

Patches, however, don’t satisfy oral habits or offer support when sudden cravings strike. Lozenges can help you change your habits—no hand-to-mouth motion—while also giving you more control for when you need some help. On days that you’re not struggling, you can use less than you would in a patch. That’s structure plus flexibility.

Vapes and Inhalers

Nicotine-Free Vapes

Nicotine-free vapes are often marketed as clean alternatives to vaping. Since it’s just water vapor, these vapes give you the physical comfort of bringing your hand-to-mouth without actually delivering nicotine. Many companies claim that you also reduce your risk of inhaling toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

But these vapes are often made the same way regular vapes are made, meaning you might inhale harmful substances when the plastic or aluminum coil is heated. You also leave yourself reliant on a device.

Inhalers

Inhalers similarly simulate the feeling of smoking. These inhalers contain nicotine, which can provide short-term comfort. Their similarity to vapes can make it hard for your body and mind to shift your habits, since it feels very often like a lighter form of vaping.

Most of these inhalers simply don’t contain enough nicotine to prevent withdrawal. Instead, you might find yourself receiving just enough to make you actually crave more, while still bringing the inhaler to your mouth several times throughout the day.

Quitting Cold Turkey: All or Nothing

Most vape users will attempt to quit cold turkey. One day, they might throw away all of their cigarettes or all of their vapes and just declare that they won’t smoke any more. Unfortunately, 95% of users who try to quit cold turkey will ultimately relapse within a week.

Sound familiar? Going cold turkey is a bold approach that works for some people. The benefit is that you eliminate nicotine from your body fast, and you don’t have a routine or a plan to manage. But there’s a reason that cold turkey so often fails. Quitting all at once causes intense withdrawal symptoms: headaches, irritability, insomnia, and strong cravings. For most people, the withdrawal is just too overwhelming, and they give in after a few days.

Ready to Quit? Consider Jones

Every quitting journey will look a little bit different, and ultimately, you need to find the best option for you. But the gentlest and most science-backed choice by far is NRT. Nicotine replacement therapy will help you ease off nicotine gradually, and ultimately increase your odds of quitting in the long run.

Jones mints give the science backed tools to help you quit, but also provide behavioral support through our app. Quitting one of the world’s most addictive substances is going to be a challenge, no matter what. But Jones can give you the best shot at saying goodbye, for good, to nicotine.

Jones co-founder Caroline Huber with a Jones mint in her mouth.

The Author: Caroline Huber

Caroline is the founder and head of physical product at Jones. She tried quitting vaping countless times before founding Jones to provide the tools she needed to succeed. 

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