Freely available nicotine replacement therapy raises rate of people who quit smoking
June 12, 2025 by irishexaminer.com
Freely available nicotine replacement therapy raises rate of people who quit smoking
Research in Ireland shows higher smoking cessation rates after the introduction of free nicotine replacement therapy. The study found that access to free NRT led to 41% of smokers quitting after four weeks, compared to 29% when it was not free. The findings suggest the benefits of providing free NRT to smokers. The study also noted an increase in NRT uptake and identified groups, such as women and long-term smokers, benefitting from the free therapy. The results highlight the importance of universal NRT access in promoting successful smoking cessation and call for equitable access on an international scale to combat smoking-related deaths.
18.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 717,042 current smokers in Ireland 21.00% of men are current smokers but only 15.00% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
