NHS stop smoking services help you quit!
Stop smoking treatments
If you want to stop smoking, several different treatments are available to help you beat your addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
The best treatment for you will depend on your personal preference, your age, whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding and any medical conditions you have. Speak to one of our stop smoking adviser for advice.
What happens at the first stop smoking session?
At your first meeting with an adviser, you'll talk about why you smoke and why you want to quit, as well as any attempts you've made to quit in the past. You'll also be able to decide on a quit date.
You'll be offered a breath test, which shows the level of carbon monoxide – a poisonous gas in cigarette smoke – in your body.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
The main reason that people smoke is because they are addicted to nicotine.
NRT is a medicine that provides you with a low level of nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke.
It can help reduce unpleasant withdrawal effects, such as bad moods and cravings, which may occur when you stop smoking.
Where to get it and how to use it
NRT is available via the NHS stop smoking service.
It's available as:
skin patches
chewing gum
inhalators (which look like plastic cigarettes)
tablets, oral strips and lozenges
nasal and mouth spray
Patches release nicotine slowly. Some are worn all the time and some should be taken off at night. Inhalators, gum and sprays act more quickly and may be better for helping with cravings.
There's no evidence that any single type of NRT is more effective than another. But there is good evidence to show that using a combination of NRT is more effective than using a single product.
Often the best way to use NRT is to combine a patch with a faster acting form such as gum, inhalator or nasal spray.
Treatment with NRT usually lasts 8-12 weeks, before you gradually reduce the dose and eventually stop.
Comments