Final answer:
Many smokers require multiple attempts to quit successfully, with only about 5% not smoking a year after trying to quit. Nicotine replacement therapy also has a high relapse rate. Despite the challenges, quitting smoking greatly reduces health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average number of attempts required for successful smoking cessation can vary widely among individuals, however, it is widely recognized that quitting smoking is a challenging process. Studies indicate that only about 5% of smokers who attempt to quit are not smoking a year later.
This suggests that many smokers may need to try quitting multiple times before achieving long-term success. In addition, nicotine replacement therapy has a high relapse rate, with 90% of those trying it returning to smoking within 12 months. Still, quitting smoking has substantial health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease significantly after just one year of cessation.