Steps To Stop Smoking (NHS)

Are you thinking of quiting smoking? Well, here are a few ideas from the NHS to help you stop.

Talk to your GP - Many people don't realise that their GP can help them quit smoking. 

Find out more about how your GP can help you quit.

Join an NHS Stop Smoking Service - Find your nearest NHS Stop Smoking Service from the NHS Smokefree website, or call 0800 022 4332.

Get a free 'Quit Kit' from a local pharmacy - The kit is packed with practical tools and advice to help you stop smoking, including a 'tangle' to keep hands busy, a wallchart to keep track of your progress, stress-busting MP3 downloads, information on medicines that can help you stop smoking and exercises to improve your willpower. 

Find your nearest participating pharmacy.

Get a 'cheerleader' and do it together - Sign up for the NHS Smokefree Together Programme and you'll receive a supportive phone call, email and text the week before you quit, the day you quit and the following week.Or find a close friend who wants to quit aswell and do it together.

Have an emergency number - Perhaps your local NHS Stop Smoking Service. They are available  from 7am to 11pm every day answering calls from people who are about to have a cigarette and want help not lighting up, they talk about why you want to smoke and how to deal with your cravings.

Read more about how to cope with cravings.

Consider using NRT -  Nicotine is addictive, and self-control alone might not be enough. Give yourself a better chance of success by using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This is available either free or on prescription from your GP, depending on where you live or from your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.

Email an expert - Ask an expert for advice through NHS Smokefree's Ask an expert service.

Use the stop smoking tool to get daily tips for success.

Useful Links:

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/smoking/Pages/Gethelp

www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GuidetoQuittingSmoking

Tags:

Quit Smoking / Smoking / NHS / Stop Smoking