Abrupt versus gradual smoking cessation with pre-cessation nicotine replacement therapy for cigarette smokers motivated to quit

Gradual reduction before quitting smoking is common among unaided quitters; however most guidelines recommend abrupt cessation [e.g., (1)]. Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to reduce cigarettes per day (CPD) increases cessation more than placebo among smokers who are not ready to quit (2). It is unclear whether this same strategy is effective for smokers who intend to quit now (3).