A staggering one million smokers in England attempt to kick the habit every year, but new research reveals that many are doing so with little hope of success. According to a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Sarah Jackson from University College London, nearly half (49%) of those trying to quit are relying solely on willpower or over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like gum and patches, greatly diminishing their chances of success.

The study's authors emphasize that more effective strategies, such as using e-cigarettes, the prescription drug varenicline, and heated tobacco products, significantly improve the likelihood of quitting smoking successfully. Researchers analyzed data from 25,094 smokers who attempted to quit last year and uncovered a concerning trend: despite the availability of more effective cessation aids in England, many individuals resort to less effective methods or go completely unsupported.

Dr. Jackson noted that using evidence-based support increases the chances of quitting, likening the process to rolling dice. “Quitting smoking is like trying to roll two sixes; while some may achieve it on their first attempt, most won’t. However, with effective cessation methods, it's as if we eliminate one die, raising the probability of success,” she explained.

The research also indicates a significant rise in the proportion of smokers attempting to quit, increasing from 29% in 2019 to 38% in 2024. Correspondingly, success rates improved from 14.2% to 27.1% during the same period. However, a troubling two in five smokers attempt to quit without any support, often leading to failure.

Dr. Ian Walker from Cancer Research UK urged the government to sustain funding for stop-smoking services through to the next parliamentary term in 2029. He stated, “With the right support, we can significantly increase the number of successful quitters.”

Moreover, experts are calling for more effective communication and awareness campaigns to educate smokers about the best quitting methods available. An NHS England spokesperson highlighted that their services assist thousands of adults annually in quitting smoking, driving smoking rates down by over half in the last 30 years.

In a bid to combat smoking prevalence, the Department of Health and Social Care has committed to further investment. “This government is dedicated to supporting smokers, with an additional £70 million earmarked for local stop-smoking services and initiatives to ensure hospitals are implementing smoking cessation interventions as standard practice,” they stated.

If you or someone you know is looking to quit smoking, remember that utilizing proven methods and professional support can dramatically enhance success rates. Don’t gamble with your health—choose evidence-based strategies to ignite your journey toward a smoke-free life!