Sweden – A Pioneer in the Fight Against Smoking

Sweden has long been at the forefront of the fight against smoking. In 1995, the country introduced a comprehensive smoke-free policy that banned smoking in all public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation. This policy has been highly successful in reducing smoking rates, which have fallen from 38% in 1980 to 11% in 2018.

Year	Smoking Rate
1980	38%
1995	28%
2005	18%
2018	11%

One of the key factors in Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates has been the use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT is a safe and effective way to help smokers quit by providing them with a low dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. In Sweden, NRT is available over-the-counter and is widely used by smokers who are trying to quit.

Type of NRT	How it works
Nicotine patches	Slowly releases nicotine through the skin
Nicotine gum	Chewed to release nicotine
Nicotine lozenges	Dissolve in the mouth to release nicotine
Nicotine inhaler	Inhaled to deliver nicotine to the lungs
Nicotine nasal spray	Sprayed into the nose to deliver nicotine

Stories

Story 1

Benefit: NRT can help smokers to reduce their cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit smoking.

How to do it: Smokers who are interested in using NRT to quit should talk to their doctor or pharmacist. There are a variety of NRT products available, and the doctor or pharmacist can help the smoker choose the product that is right for them.

Story 2

Benefit: NRT can help smokers to stay quit in the long term. A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that smokers who used NRT were 50% more likely to stay quit for at least six months than smokers who did not use NRT.

How to do it: Smokers who are using NRT to quit should follow the instructions provided by their doctor or pharmacist. It is important to use NRT for the full course of treatment, even after the smoker has quit smoking.

Sections

Section 1: How to Use NRT

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which NRT product is right for you.

Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Use NRT for the full course of treatment.

Section 2: Tips for Using NRT

Start using NRT on the day you quit smoking.

Use NRT as needed to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Do not smoke while using NRT.

If you experience any side effects from NRT, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Sweden – A Pioneer in the Fight Against Smoking