What percentage of smokers are successful in quitting unaided after attempting to quit each year?

The correct answer reflects well-documented statistics indicating that only a small percentage of smokers who attempt to quit without any assistance are successful. Research shows that approximately 2-3% of smokers manage to quit unaided each year after making an attempt. This low success rate can be attributed to several factors, including the addictive nature of nicotine, withdrawal symptoms, and the behavioral aspects of smoking that make it difficult to quit without support or tools.

In contrast, higher success percentages like those suggested by other options do not accurately represent the reality of unsupported quitting attempts. While many smokers express a desire to quit and may even successfully reduce their intake temporarily, sustaining abstinence without support structures is a significant challenge, and thus the percentage tends to be quite low compared to supported cessation efforts.