How to Quit Smoking (and Save Money) Using Technology

Cigarette smoking is known to be detrimental to our health. According to data from the CDC, smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths in the US annually — nearly one in five deaths.

At the same time, keeping up a smoking habit can also be costly. Data from Tobacco Free Life indicates that smokers spend an average of $4,690.25 on cigarette packs annually.

Over the years, public perception towards smoking has shifted significantly, causing many smokers to want to quit.

In our “How To Use My Phone Less” post, we highlighted how it can be easy to get caught up in using your phone.

To reduce your phone screen time, we emphasized the importance of identifying your triggers, limiting your accessibility, and finding alternatives to using your phone.

While quitting smoking is certainly different from trying to reduce phone use, we can also apply these principles to help you quit smoking.

At the same time, there are some ways we can make use of technology to help the quitting process and save you on expenses in the long term. Below, we’ll look at how you can quit smoking using technology while saving yourself some money:

Identify your smoking triggers

Understanding what makes you want to smoke is key to successfully quitting. For many, smoking can be a good stress-management method.

Studies over the years have linked perceived stress with smoking and other smoking-related behaviors, even among smokers enrolled in smoking cessation programs. As such, making stress management and reduction a part of your quitting journey can make a difference.

Nowadays, smartphone apps like stress-management app Resonance can help provide support. With the app, users can incorporate stress management and resiliency into various challenging and stressful aspects of their lifestyle.

Users can monitor their daily stress using heart rate data and engage in breathwork exercises to help overcome stressful events in healthy ways instead of by smoking. Thanks to smartphone apps like Resonance, mental health support and stress reduction have become more accessible and not costly.

Of course, you can also always reach out to your friends and loved ones for help and support instead of relying on smoking as a coping mechanism.

Make smoking inaccessible

Another key aspect of smoking cessation is the availability of social support and accountability.

According to research published in Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, genetic and environmental factors are as responsible for cigarette addiction and difficulty of smoking cessation as tobacco and nicotine are.

Previous studies also found that social support and a social network play a part in the decision to quit and the long-term success of smoking cessation.

Aside from relying on your friends and loved ones to help keep you accountable while quitting, you can also seek supportive online communities. Most quitting apps available on smartphones today have complementary online communities of users with whom you can share tips and advice for quitting.

At the same time, you should also make sure you aren’t surrounded by friends or loved ones who smoke, as being around fellow smokers may cause cigarette cravings and urges. Instead, if your smoker friends ask to hang out, deciding to stay in can save you from a night of smoking and extra spending.

Consider nicotine replacement products

Finally, another excellent way to help quit smoking is by using nicotine replacement products.

Oral nicotine products like nicotine pouches are 100% smoke- and tobacco-free and have become increasingly popular among smokers and ex-smokers in recent years. VELO nicotine pouches are among various brands available via online retailers, making them accessible and affordable, starting at just $4.19 per can.

The brand comes with a wide selection of flavors, such as mint and coffee, and can be bought per can in packs of 5, 10, and 30 for more cost savings.

Other nicotine replacement products include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, nasal sprays, and inhalers — all of which are FDA-approved for smoking cessation.

Sometimes, doctors may also recommend prescription-only medication Chantix or Zyban, which are meant to help you quit smoking.

Currently, Chantix is considered one of the most effective options for cessation, as well as combination NRT, such as patches and gum or lozenges.

If you are struggling to quit smoking, we hope the above article proves useful.