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There are literally thousands - or even millions - of smoking cessation products on the market today. Ranging from prescription medicines to herbal remedies, nicotine gum or patches, and even fake cigarettes, these quit smoking aids are all out there to help us. Deciding which one of these is best for you can be confusing so here's a guide to some of the smoking cessation products available:

Prescription Medicines

An anti-depressant drug like Zyban (or Wellbutrin), is believed to help smokers quit by reducing the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. More recently, Chantix (Varenicline Tartrage) has appeared on the pharmacy shelves and claims to reduce cravings and block part of the brain from the effect of nicotine addiction. Both of these medicines have some side effects including nausea, headache, insomnia and dry mouth.

Natural or Herbal Alternatives

Herbal cigarettes can be a helpful solution for some people. Smoking a cigarette without the tar or nicotine cuts out the health risks and gives ex-smokers something to replace the harmful alternative with. Vitamin supplements can also help, by replacing the lost nutrients caused by smoking and by giving you more energy to beat the smoking habit. There are also many natural products which help relax and calm the body, and include herbs such as Lobelia powder, ginger root, passion flower, Echinacea and peppermint.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

In various forms, these products help smokers to quit by gradually reducing the nicotine in their system. Nicotine patches work this way, starting at a strength close to the smoker's usual intake and working down towards lower strengths and finally a minimal dose. Nicotine gum or lozenges can also be effective in helping people quit smoking, used at times when a smoker's resolve weakens. A nicotine inhaler works like a fake cigarette and can be a useful alternative for people who find it difficult to quit.

Willpower

Of course, nothing can make people quit smoking; they have to want to stop. For some smokers, the only way to beat the addiction is by sheer willpower. Either on its own or with the help of one of these quit smoking aids, willpower can be the main factor for giving up successfully. Whatever your main reason for quitting smoking is, having the determination to succeed from the start should be at the top of your list.

All of these smoking cessation aids can have potential side-effects for different people and should only be used with the support of your doctor or medical practitioner. There are different risks associated with each of them, not just the drug-related products but also the natural alternatives, especially for specific groups like pregnant women or those who have medical conditions or are taking other medication. While smoking cessation aids may not be for everyone, they can be a huge benefit to many people who want to quit smoking and could be the answer to overcoming that nicotine addiction!