Aug 21, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Jillian Follert

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About the series -- Health care experts estimate 70 per cent of smokers want to kick their addiction.

Statistics say that left to their own devices, only about seven per cent will achieve success long term. In comparison, the data suggests that 30 per cent of smokers who seek help from health care professionals manage to become smoke free.

Metroland Durham Region Media Group wanted to test that theory -- and help stack the odds in favour of some Durham residents who desperately want to butt out.

We asked local smokers to tell us their stories and were overwhelmed with more than 100 phone calls and e-mails in 48 hours.

Three participants were chosen to take part in a six-week quitting challenge.

Experts from the Durham Region Smoking Cessation Network -- a group of local pharmacists, nurses, doctors, and dentists who are passionate about helping people quit -- will be providing the participants with resources, guidance and support. We will be bringing you their story in print and online at www.newsdurhamregion.com every other Wednesday, throughout August, with a final update in September.

 DURHAM -- On a recent summer evening, quit-smoking participants Marven Whidden, 46, Sherrie Webber, 26, and John Hatch, 18, sat down with two health-care experts from the Durham Region Smoking Cessation Network,, a group consisting of three pharmacists, two family physicians, two nurses, two nurse practitioners, a dentist and a cardiologist -- all of whom are passionate about helping people butt out for good.

The network was established about a year ago, when its members realized only a small percentage of health-care professionals focus heavily on smoking cessation, and that they could cover more ground by working as a team.

"In terms of return on investment, quitting smoking has the most impact on a person's health," said Jane Ling, a local pharmacist and network chairwoman. "A lot of health care providers feel overwhelmed because they only have a small amount of time to spend with each patient ... but helping someone quit smoking can make such a big difference in their life."

Ms. Ling and fellow network member Dr. John Stewart, a family physician from Port Perry, led the participants through an overview of the quitting process. They described the pros and cons of the various quitting resources, talked about nicotine withdrawal symptoms and behavior changes that can make quitting more successful.

And, the participants learned that asking for help is half the battle.

"If you have a health-care provider helping you, you're 30 times more likely to be successful," Ms. Ling said.

While about 50 per cent of people who quit for life do it cold turkey, the experts said using tools, like nicotine gum or medications, definitely up the chances of success. Using the products in combination can help too.

For example, a medication like Champix can reduce the urge to smoke, but it won't keep your hands busy if you're used to smoking while watching TV or driving -- that's where an inhaler can be a big help. Likewise, gum can quash a craving, but it's not as convenient as popping a pill or sticking on a patch.

While products combos haven't been studied, Ms. Ling said they are common and safe, as long as the total amount of nicotine being consumed is still lower than the amount consumed while smoking cigarettes.

The options:

Nicotine patch

What it is: A non-prescription patch that releases a steady dose of nicotine into the body through the skin. It is applied once a day and controls nicotine cravings for 24 hours. The dose is reduced gradually over a period of eight to 12 weeks.

Cost: $126 a month

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, controls cravings for 24 hours, delays weight gain, easy and convenient to use.

Cons: You must stop smoking completely while using it, it's only available to adults 18 and over, side effects may include redness, tingling or burning where the patch is applied, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal dreams, dizziness, weakness, indigestion and changes in taste.

Nicotine gum or lozenges

What it is: Non-prescription gum or lozenges containing nicotine that you chew or suck briefly, then "park" between your cheek and gum for a set amount of time, repeating the pattern for up to 30 minutes, several times a day. Most people use between two and 10 pieces a day.

Cost: $47.20 for 105 pieces of gum, $32 for 72 lozenges

Pros: Relatively inexpensive, control over when and how much is used better replicates the nicotine highs and lows of smoking, satisfies oral cravings.

Cons: Some people find the taste unpleasant, side effects may include nausea, indigestion, dizziness and headaches.

Nicotine inhaler

What it is: Air is drawn in through a mouthpiece that has been filled with a nicotine cartridge. The inhaler can be used for about 20 minutes at a time, and is refillable. Recommended dose is six to 12 cartridges a day for up to three months.

Cost: $47.24 for 42 cartridges

Pros: Replicates the feeling of smoking cigarettes with hand-to-mouth action and inhalation, easy to control the amount of nicotine inhaled.

Cons: Can't be used by people with asthma or other lung conditions, not as discreet as other options, side effects may include cough, irritation of the mouth and throat, upset stomach, nasal congestion and headaches.

Zyban

What it is: a prescription medication that reduces the urge to smoke by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain. It is recommended that the medication be started one to two weeks before quitting.

Cost: About $75 a month

Pros: Pill is easy to take, reduces symptoms of depression, minimizes weight gain while on the medication.

Cons: Expensive if you don't have a drug plan, must remember to take it at the same time every day, side effects may include dry mouth and insomnia.

Champix

What it is: a prescription medication designed to mellow the intensity of the urge to smoke, by reducing the feeling of satisfaction and well-being that smoking provides. Treatment usually lasts 12 weeks and can continue up to six months for maintenance. It is recommend that the medication be started one week before quitting.

Cost: About $130 a month

Pros: Pill is easy to take, does not contain nicotine.

Cons: Expensive if you don't have a drug plan, side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abnormal dreams, headaches, disturbed sleep and constipation.

What participants chose:

Marven Whidden: Champix and inhaler

"I used Champix before and it was working for me, but for whatever reason I stopped taking them and never started again. "

Sherrie Webber: Lozenges and inhaler

"I like the idea of the inhaler, it gives your hands something to do. I'll be sitting there watching a show or reading a book and I just have to have something in my hand."

John Hatch: Gum and inhaler

"I don't want to use pills or anything and I don't want to go cold turkey. I like the gum, I'm thinking when I'm at work and I'm really having a bad craving that's going to be extremely helpful for me because I can just pop one. I think the inhaler will be good for the hand to mouth thing, that's a big thing for me."

The series continues Wednesday, Sept. 2 as we check in with the three participants to see how the quitting tools are working for them. You can also follow their quitting blogs online at www.newsdurhamregion.com.