Laser vs. Patches, Champix and Hypnosis: Which Way to Quit Smoking?

By the NuLife Smoking Cessation Team · Reviewed by a certified smoking cessation specialist · Last updated November 2026

Why the method matters

If you’ve tried to quit before and ended up smoking again, you’re in the majority. When a method doesn’t work, it’s rarely about willpower. It’s usually that the method only handled one side of the problem: the physical pull of nicotine, or the habits and triggers built around smoking. The best results come from dealing with both.

Nicotine patches and gum

Patches, gum, lozenges and inhalers replace some of the nicotine from cigarettes so withdrawal is easier. Reviews show nicotine replacement makes a quit attempt about 50% to 70% more likely to succeed.

The catch: you’re still taking nicotine, so you have to step down slowly, and many people never fully stop the gum or patch. Patches can also irritate the skin or disturb sleep.

Varenicline (Champix)

Varenicline is a prescription pill. It works on the same brain receptors as nicotine, which takes the edge off cravings and makes smoking less satisfying. Research shows it roughly triples the odds of quitting compared with a placebo.

The main side effect is nausea, usually mild to moderate and easing over time. It needs a doctor’s prescription, and some people prefer not to take medication. In Canada, the brand Champix was recalled in 2021; generic varenicline is the Health Canada-approved equivalent.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is meant to weaken the urge to smoke or strengthen the decision to quit. A large Cochrane review found not enough evidence to say whether hypnotherapy works better than counselling or quitting on your own, and if there is a benefit, it’s likely small. Some people find it helpful as an extra, but it doesn’t treat the physical side of nicotine withdrawal.

Laser therapy

NuLife combines traditional acupuncture technique with low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation). The laser is applied to specific points on the ears, hands and face, which is why it’s also called laser acupuncture. It’s drug-free, uses no needles and no nicotine, and is designed to help reduce cravings and withdrawal while your body adjusts.

Studies have reported strong results: a 2018 study of 175 smokers reported an 84% success rate, and a 2021 randomized trial found laser reduced nicotine dependence more than counselling alone. At NuLife, 85% and more of our patients report success. More on the research in our post Does Laser Therapy to Quit Smoking Work?

Side by side

	Nicotine patch / gum	Varenicline (Champix)	Hypnosis	Laser therapy
Contains nicotine	Yes	No	No	No
Medication	Over the counter	Prescription	No	No
Treats cravings and withdrawal	Yes	Yes	Not directly	Yes
Deals with habits and triggers	Not on its own	Not on its own	Partly	With counselling in the NuLife program
Common downsides	Skin irritation, sleep problems, slow taper	Nausea, needs a doctor	Weak evidence	Not covered by every plan (interest-free payments available)

Can you combine them?

Yes. Many of our patients have used patches, gum or medication before, and some still are when they come in. During your assessment we look at what you’re using now and build your plan around it. If you take prescription medication, keep your doctor in the loop.

What we ask before recommending anything

On the free phone call, before we talk about our program, we ask four things:

1. How many cigarettes do you smoke a day?
2. How long have you been smoking?
3. How many times have you tried to quit, and what did you use?
4. Why do you want to quit now? Often it’s a doctor’s advice, an upcoming surgery, or simply having had enough.

The answers tell us more than any comparison chart. Someone who relapsed on the patch after a stressful week needs a different plan than someone quitting before surgery. That’s why we don’t recommend one method for everyone.

“I tried everything – cold turkey, Zyban, the patch. Nothing worked. I had my last cigarette right before my first laser treatment and haven’t smoked since… The follow-up treatments really helped too, especially since stress can still be a trigger.”

— Jonny K, NuLife patient

How the NuLife program works

Every NuLife Laser Quit Smoking Program follows the same order: an assessment, one-on-one counselling, a personalized quit plan, laser treatments, and follow-up support. It covers smoking, vaping and all nicotine products. Read more on our Laser Quit Smoking Program page.

Frequently asked questions

Is laser therapy better than the patch?

They work differently. The patch replaces nicotine; laser therapy is drug-free and targets cravings without nicotine. Many people choose laser after the patch didn’t work for them.

Can I use laser therapy if I’m taking varenicline?

Often, yes. Tell us what you’re taking during your assessment, and check with your doctor about your medication.

Does hypnosis work to quit smoking?

The research is weak. A Cochrane review found too little evidence to show it beats counselling or quitting on your own.

Which method has no nicotine and no medication?

Laser therapy and hypnosis. Of the two, laser therapy is the one aimed directly at cravings and withdrawal.

Is laser therapy covered by insurance?

Our program is covered by most benefit plans. No benefits? You can split the cost into 4 interest-free payments.

Sources

• Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation, Cochrane review (2019)
• Nicotine receptor partial agonists (varenicline) for smoking cessation, Cochrane review
• Nicotine receptor partial agonists help people stop smoking, Cochrane summary
• Smoking cessation pharmacotherapy editorial (NRT effectiveness)
• Pfizer Champix recall and Apo-Varenicline
• Painless Laser Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation (2018)
• Efficacy of Laser Auricular Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation (2021)