This statistic shows the results of a 2013 survey among adult American former smokers on methods and strategies for quitting smoking that worked best for them. 8 percent of surveyed former smokers stated that will power, commitment and/or the "mind over matter" principle helped them quit smoking.
Former smokers: Which strategies for quitting smoking were the most effective for you?
Characteristic
Share of respondents
Just quit / decided it was time / quit cold turkey
48%
Will power / commitment / mind over matter
8%
Support from family, friends / prayer
6%
Used nicotine patch
5%
Was experiencing health issues related to smoking
5%
Stopped being around people who smoke
4%
Used chewing gum / candy / seeds / lozenges to help
3%
Used electronic cigarette
3%
Cut down, then quit
2%
Used prescription drugs
2%
Became pregnant
1%
Used hypnosis
1%
Used nicotine gum
1%
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%55%
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According to the source: "Percentages total more than 100% due to multiple responses." The source poses the question as follows: "Trying to be as specific as possible, what strategies or methods for quitting smoking were the most effective for you?"
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Gallup. (July 31, 2013). Former smokers: Which strategies for quitting smoking were the most effective for you? [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 04, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/263508/methods-for-quitting-smoking/
Gallup. "Former smokers: Which strategies for quitting smoking were the most effective for you?." Chart. July 31, 2013. Statista. Accessed May 04, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/263508/methods-for-quitting-smoking/
Gallup. (2013). Former smokers: Which strategies for quitting smoking were the most effective for you?. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 04, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/263508/methods-for-quitting-smoking/
Gallup. "Former Smokers: Which Strategies for Quitting Smoking Were The Most Effective for You?." Statista, Statista Inc., 31 Jul 2013, https://www.statista.com/statistics/263508/methods-for-quitting-smoking/
Gallup, Former smokers: Which strategies for quitting smoking were the most effective for you? Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/263508/methods-for-quitting-smoking/ (last visited May 04, 2025)
Former smokers: Which strategies for quitting smoking were the most effective for you? [Graph], Gallup, July 31, 2013. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/263508/methods-for-quitting-smoking/
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