Smoking Cessation Service
Are you ready to quit?
If you’re a smoker who wants to quit but feels you need help in overcoming the habit, consider our FREE NHS stop smoking service.
We offer guidance and support tailored to help you embark on a smoke-free journey.
Statistics show that combining professional support with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increases your chances of quitting by up to four times compared to relying on willpower alone.
Free Advice and Support
Our Staff are trained to provide expert advice to help you initially break the smoking habit, and they will be there to provide you with ongoing support throughout your smoking cessation journey.
Get a Remote Consultation
We can provide this service remotely. Please complete this form. We will carry out a telephone or video consultation to discuss the right support for you. You will need to pop into the pharmacy to pick up recommended products.
Top Tips
How to Quit Smoking
1. Write a list of the reasons
Why you want to stop, and keep them with you. Refer to them when tempted to light up.
2. Set a date for stopping
Then stop completely. Some people prefer the idea of cutting down gradually. However, research has shown that if you smoke fewer cigarettes than usual, you are likely to smoke more of each cigarette, and nicotine levels remain nearly the same.
3. Tell everyone that you’re giving up smoking
Friends and family often give support and may help you. Others smoking in your household makes giving up harder, a team effort may be easier than going it alone!
4. Remove paraphernalia
Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and all cigarettes.
5. Be prepared for some withdrawal symptoms
When you stop smoking, you are likely to get symptoms which may include: nausea (feeling sick), headaches, anxiety, irritability, craving, and just feeling awful. These symptoms are caused by the lack of nicotine that your body has been used to. They tend to peak after 12-24 hours, and then gradually ease over 2-4 weeks.
6. Anticipate a cough
It is normal for a smoker’s cough to get worse when you stop smoking (as the airways “come back to life”). Many people say that this makes them feel worse for a while after stopping smoking and makes them tempted to restart smoking. Resist this temptation! The cough usually gradually eases.
7. Predict difficult situations
Drinking alcohol is often associated with unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking. Additionally, if drinking tea and coffee triggers cravings, try substituting them with fruit juices and plenty of water instead.
8. Take one day at a time
Mark off each successful day on a calendar. Look at it when you feel tempted to smoke, and tell yourself that you don’t want to start all over again.
9. Be positive
You can tell people that you don’t smoke. You will smell better. After a few weeks you should feel better, taste your food more, and cough less. You will have more money. Perhaps put away the money, which you would have spent on cigarettes, for treats.
10. Food
Some people worry about gaining weight when they give up smoking, as the appetite may improve. Anticipate an increase in appetite, and try not to increase fatty or sugary foods as snacks. Try sugar-free gum and fruit instead.
11. Don’t despair if you fail
Examine the reasons why you felt it was more difficult at that particular time. It will make you stronger next time. On average, people who eventually stop smoking have made 3 or 4 previous attempts.