What are the first steps I can take to stop smoking?

Most smokers continue to smoke not through choice, but because they are addicted. Almost 75% of adult smokers would like to stop smoking. The most common reason for wanting to stop is health reasons, followed by financial concerns.

Giving up smoking takes lots of willpower, as well as motivation, to overcome the powerful addictive properties of nicotine.

The benefits of quitting are enormous and extend beyond the health benefits. The other benefits include financial and social rewards. It is important to plan how you will stop smoking. Not being prepared (mentally and physically) is a common reason for returning to smoking. Here are a few suggestions to help.

• Work out the situations where you are most likely to smoke (for example, at the pub, when stressed) and decide how you might handle this.
• Set a stop date and confirm it in your diary or calendar.
• Decide how you are going to stop, and get organised with anything you may need to have to help you.
• Be more active.
• Write a list of why you want to stop smoking
• Most importantly, stay positive and no excuses!!!!