Getting help to stop smoking

Stopping smoking is not easy! But it is easier if your family and friends support and encourage you.

Getting professional help will improve your chances of success. Your chance of giving up will increase even further with the help of medicines. Nicotine-replacement products or other prescription-only medicines can be prescribed for smokers wanting to quit. They are available from GPs or ‘smoking cessation’ clinics.

Research suggests that using nicotine-replacement products can almost double your chance of stopping smoking. The products are available as:

• Patches (worn on the skin)
• Chewing gum
• Lozenges
• Inhalers; and
• Nasal sprays.

You should talk to a health-care professional before using these products.

Nicotine-replacement products can help you break the habit of smoking. The body absorbs nicotine from the product, reducing withdrawal symptoms and the craving to smoke.

There is also a tablet, from the anti-depressant group of drugs, that can help you stop smoking. It changes the chemical balance in the brain, making you less likely to crave a cigarette. It also reduces unpleasant withdrawal symptoms caused by the body missing its regular nicotine 'hit'. It has a similar success rate to nicotine-replacement products. However, it is not a magic cure and you need to be motivated to stop smoking. You can only get this tablet from your GP, and you must also have regular counselling.