In today’s digital age, it seems there’s a mobile application for everything, with nearly nine million available in major app stores. Health and wellness are one growing category, with apps covering concerns like meditation, sleep hygiene, and exercise. The Google Fit fitness app, for instance, can help monitor your health on the go. By tracking your physical activity and collecting data throughout the day, Google Fit helps users stick to personal fitness goals. That said, as technology continues to revolutionize how we approach health, it’s no surprise that apps are also being leveraged to help smokers quit, boasting unprecedented accessibility to cessation.
An International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health study shows that using digital apps can improve some clinical aspects of quitting, such as motivation and treatment adherence, propelling the popularity of digital cessation programs. Among these innovative solutions is the Quit Genius app, which offers a holistic approach to smoking cessation that harnesses the power of technology to support smokers wanting to become smoke-free. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the Quit Genius app works and provide useful strategies so that smokers can maximize the app’s quit-smoking benefits.
What Is Quit Genius And How Does It Work?
Quit Genius is a comprehensive smoking cessation app designed to support individuals in their journey to quit smoking. It employs evidence-based techniques and personalized support to address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of cigarette addiction. To do this, the app utilizes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, pharmacotherapy guidance, and community support to increase the likelihood of quitting.
In a randomized-controlled trial published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, it was shown that the Quit Genius digital clinic for smoking cessation was significantly more effective than traditional very brief advice (VBA), the typical standard of care for smoking cessation today, where smokers are given a brief intervention and referral to smoking cessation services. The average success rate for people in the Quit Genius tobacco program is 52%, far higher than traditional methods.
Part of what makes the app unique is that users can tailor their quit plan based on smoking habits, motivations, and preferences. Upon signing, users are prompted to input information about their smoking history, triggers, and reasons for quitting. Yet, it’s important to note that digital cessation apps are most effective when used in conjunction with other tools and strategies that increase your chances of quitting successfully.
How To Maximize The App’s Quit-Smoking Benefits
The Quit Genius app suggests users consider nicotine replacements to improve their quit journey. These replacements are available in different forms, including nicotine gum, patches, pouches, and lozenges. Such products work by alleviating withdrawal symptoms like cravings, irritability, and fatigue by delivering controlled doses of nicotine. Nicorette nicotine gum, for instance, comes in 2mg and 4mg doses and is simply chewed for nicotine to be absorbed and address the physical aspect of quitting. These are popular among smokers who prefer products that can keep their mouths busy, like a cigarette.
Alternatively, because other smokers may prefer more subtle options, products such as popular nicotine pouches can also be used to supplement the Quit Genius app. As seen in ZYN nicotine pouches, these replacements come in small smoke- and tobacco-free formats. Made with pharmaceutical-grade nicotine salt that’s more stable than other forms of nicotine, it also comes in various strengths and flavors, such as coffee, citrus, and cool mint, for different smoker preferences. The varying strengths of 3mg and 6mg can further aid cessation by allowing users to decrease their nicotine intake gradually.
In addition to smoking alternatives, smokers can incorporate exercise into their quit plan. In a Tobacco Induced Diseases study, researchers found that exercise increases a smoker’s quit rate and minimizes an ex-smoker’s relapse rate in the short term. Additionally, exercise was also associated with reduced all-cause mortality and lengthened life expectancy by four years or more. For this, try engaging in physical activity such as walking, swimming, or strength training for at least 30 minutes daily.
Overall, while Quit Genius can be a valuable tool to facilitate cessation, smokers can increase their likelihood of staying smoke-free by complementing the app with strategies like using a smoking alternative and exercising.
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