Top Ways to Stop Smoking on NHS: Your Guide to Quitting Successfully

Want to stop smoking? The NHS offers free services to help you quit! From personal advice to nicotine replacement therapies, this guide shows you how to stop smoking on NHS using their free resources.

Key Takeaways

• NHS Stop Smoking Services provide free, comprehensive support, significantly increasing the chances of quitting smoking through tailored methods and behavioural support. (1)

• Personalised quit plans, developed with NHS advisers, enhance quitting success by addressing individual needs, setting quit dates, and outlining clear action steps.

• Continued support through one-on-one and group sessions, as well as the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy and E-Cigarettes, is crucial for preventing relapse and ensuring long-term cessation.

Understanding NHS Stop Smoking Services

NHS Stop Smoking Services offer a lifeline to smokers determined to quit. These services are not only free but also incredibly friendly, significantly increasing your chances of success. With professional support, you are up to three times more likely to quit smoking for good (2). Imagine the great news of finally breaking free from the grip of tobacco and embracing a healthier lifestyle!

The services provide access to proven methods and expert advice tailored to help you stop smoking. From behavioural support to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), these services encompass a complete, wide range of tools designed to meet the diverse needs of smokers. Additionally, the measurement of carbon monoxide levels serves as a powerful motivator, visually demonstrating the positive changes happening in your body as you quit.

The role of NHS Stop Smoking Services in improving public health cannot be overstated. These services contribute significantly to reducing smoking-related diseases and deaths by helping individuals quit smoking and avoiding preventable illness. It’s about more than just quitting smoking; it’s about reclaiming your health and enhancing your quality of life.

Accessing NHS Stop Smoking Support

Obtaining support from the NHS stop smoking service is straightforward and convenient. Available at various locations, including GP surgeries, pharmacies, and mobile clinics, these services ensure accessibility. Whether you prefer face-to-face consultations or remote assistance, there is an option that suits your needs. The Smokefree National Helpline is a valuable resource, connecting individuals to local NHS stop smoking services across NHS England (3).

Local services offer free, tailored advice and support to help you quit smoking. For instance, the Smokefree City & Hackney service offers twelve weeks of support with a dedicated stop smoking advisor, available both in-person and over the phone (4). Similarly, the Quit Well Newham service operates Monday to Friday, with group sessions available by appointment in the evenings. (5)

These services are inclusive, catering to a wide range of age groups, including adults. For example, Redbridge Quits provides support for individuals aged 12 and above (6). Patients can also receive free stop smoking treatments, including nicotine patches and prescribed medications, making it easier to manage withdrawal symptoms and stay on track.

Personalised Quit Plans

A personalised quit plan is crucial for your journey to quit smoking. A well-structured quit plan significantly increases your chances of success. The NHS offers a tool that guides you through completing seven easy steps to create your quit plan, ensuring that you have a clear roadmap to follow.

NHS stop smoking advisers play a pivotal role in this process. They help clients develop personalised action plans and assist in deciding which type of treatment is most suitable, using evidence-based support. This tailored approach ensures that your quit plan aligns with your unique needs and circumstances, making it more effective.

An essential component of the quit plan is setting a quit date. This date marks the beginning of your smoke-free journey and serves as a target to work towards. Your adviser will help you decide on a realistic quit date and provide the necessary support to prepare for it. A personalised quit plan provides a solid foundation for your quitting journey.

One-to-One and Group Support Sessions

One to one support and group-based support sessions are integral to the NHS Stop Smoking Services. Engaging with a stop smoking adviser significantly increases the likelihood of successfully quitting, making individuals three times more likely to quit for good. Weekly follow-ups with your adviser during the initial phase of quitting offer consistent support and motivation.

Sessions can occur in GP surgeries, pharmacies, high-street shops, and mobile bus clinics. Whether you prefer the privacy of a one-to-one session or the camaraderie of a group session, there’s an option for everyone. For those unable to attend in person, support sessions can also be conducted via phone or video.

Combining treatment with specialist support, as per NHS advice, further boosts your chances of quitting. Typically starting a few weeks before your quit date, these sessions ensure you are well-prepared for upcoming challenges. The structured support helps you stay on track and provides a platform to share your experiences and learn from others.

First Stop Smoking Session: What to Expect

The first stop smoking session with an NHS adviser is critical in your quit journey. In this session, your adviser will discuss your smoking history and motivation for quitting. This discussion tailors the support to your specific needs and goals.

You’ll explore your reasons for smoking, past quitting attempts, and your desire to quit. This comprehensive discussion allows your adviser to understand your unique challenges and preferences. You will set a quit date and create an action plan to guide your quitting process. This plan will outline the steps you need to take, the support available, and the goals you aim to achieve.

The first session also covers NHS-endorsed nicotine replacement products and involves measuring your carbon monoxide levels to assess the impact of smoking on your body. Continuous support and guidance are provided through regular contact with your adviser during the first month of your quit journey.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Options

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) forms a cornerstone of smoking cessation strategies. NRT options include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, lozenges, inhalators, mouth and nasal sprays, and nicotine-free medicines like varenicline. NRT products provide a controlled dose of nicotine to alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the quitting process more manageable, where prescription medication normally interrupts the reward system to help prevent smoking.

Using NRTs for at least twelve weeks significantly reduces the chances of returning to smoking. Some NRTs, like varenicline, have shown a success rate of about one in four for quitting smoking for at least six months. Combining different forms of NRT enhances quitting success, offering a comprehensive approach to managing cravings.

Trained advisers can offer tailored recommendations on which nicotine replacement products and other cessation aids may be best suited for you. Consulting a healthcare professional helps you choose the most suitable products, improving your chances of quitting successfully. NRT is a powerful tool in your quit smoking arsenal!

Using E-Cigarettes as a Quitting Aid

E-cigarettes have emerged as a popular and effective quitting aid. E-cigarettes can significantly aid in quitting smoking, as they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes - about 95% less harmful, according to Public Health England. Individuals who switch to vaping are about twice as likely to quit smoking compared to those using traditional nicotine replacement therapies (7). Many people stop smoking by choosing e-cigarettes as a safer alternative.

E-liquids vary in nicotine concentration, allowing users to gradually reduce their nicotine intake. Selecting the right vaping device and e-liquid strength is crucial for managing cravings effectively. Though vaping is generally less harmful, it is not considered completely risk-free, especially for children and non-smokers.

Currently, there are no vaping products prescribed by the NHS, but local Stop Smoking Services may provide free starter packs. NHS stop smoking services can provide advice and support related to e-cigarette use, ensuring you have the necessary information and resources to quit successfully.

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While vaping is not entirely risk free, it is considered to be 95% less harmful than smoking. This is the case in a well-regulated market like the UK and EU, where the ingredients in e-liquids are pharmaceutical grade, and there are plenty of ingredients prohibited from inclusion in e-liquid - including things like diacetyl (associated with the condition 'popcorn lung') and others known to be harmful when inhaled.

This is why, at SMOKO, we have always used UK-made e-liquids in our refills. Our devices and refills are submitted to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for approval at every strength in every flavour, ensuring they meet the high standards set out by the TRPR (Tobacco and Related Products Regulations) and TPD (Tobacco Products Directive).

Now you can try SMOKO Sugar-free Nicotine Gum! Nicotine gum has been used for years as a nicotine replacement product, and while not explicitly as effective at helping smokers quit compared with E-Cigarettes, nicotine gum provides a way to consume nicotine that doesn't impact those immediately around you, and offers a way to tackle cravings when you can't otherwise vape - like on the train to work in the morning, or when flying to your favourite holiday destination!

SMOKO Nicotine Gum is available in 3 distinct flavours - Blueberry, Mint and Watermelon - at a strength of 2mg. Providing 70% more volume than other brands, SMOKO Sugar-free Nicotine Gum offers a robust chewing experience to keep your mouth occupied and crush cravings!

Preventing Relapse

Preventing relapse is crucial in the quit journey. Attending support sessions for four weeks after your last cigarette significantly increases the chances of long-term cessation. In case of a relapse, advisers maintain a supportive approach, focusing on helping you return to a smoke-free lifestyle.

An emergency contact number is provided by advisers for managing cravings outside regular meeting hours. This immediate support can be crucial in moments of weakness.

Stop smoking advisers help in recognising challenging scenarios that may trigger cravings for relapse. Identifying and addressing these triggers allows you to develop effective management strategies. Maintaining your progress and staying committed to your smoke-free journey are key to preventing relapse.

How to Contact a Stop Smoking Adviser

Reaching out to a stop smoking adviser is the first step towards a smoke-free life. Your GP, pharmacist, or health visitor can refer you to a stop smoking adviser. A referral from a healthcare professional ensures you receive the necessary support. You can reach your local stop smoking service by calling the Smokefree National Helpline at 0300 123 1044.

In Wales, the Help Me Quit helpline is available at 0800 085 2219 for accessing stop smoking services. Residents of Northern Ireland can find their local stop smoking provider by visiting the Stop Smoking NI website. Helplines and websites provide valuable information and direct you to the nearest service.

You can also contact a stop smoking adviser by calling your local stop smoking service directly. Direct contact provides access to free advice and support. Reaching out to speak is a crucial step in your journey to quit smoking.

Feedback on NHS Stop Smoking Services

User feedback is essential for enhancing NHS stop smoking services. Feedback helps identify strengths and areas for improvement in the support and treatment options offered. By sharing your experiences, you contribute to refining the services to better meet the needs of individuals trying to quit smoking.

The NHS actively seeks user input to understand the effectiveness of smoking cessation strategies and identify areas for improvement. This feedback is crucial for developing more effective quit smoking strategies and ensuring that services remain relevant and impactful.

Patients are encouraged to share their experiences with stop smoking services in a review. Your feedback can help tailor future offerings, increasing their effectiveness and user-friendliness. Providing this feedback allows you to play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of support for those on their quit smoking journey after you!

Summary

In summary, the NHS Stop Smoking Services offer a comprehensive and effective support system for individuals looking to quit smoking. From personalised quit plans and one-to-one support sessions to nicotine replacement therapies and E-Cigarettes, these services provide the tools and guidance needed to succeed. The commitment to helping individuals quit smoking is evident in the breadth and depth of support available.

Quitting smoking is a journey, and with the right support, it is entirely achievable. The benefits of quitting are immense, from improved health and reduced risk of preventable illnesses to financial savings and a better quality of life. Take the first step today by reaching out to your local stop smoking service, or give us a call at SMOKO and take advantage of our free* vape starter kit deals, and start your journey towards a healthier, smoke-free future!

*(One per customer)

Frequently Asked Questions

What services are offered by the NHS Stop Smoking Services?

The NHS Stop Smoking Services provide personalised quit plans, one-to-one and group support sessions, nicotine replacement therapies, and guidance on using e-cigarettes as cessation tools. These comprehensive resources are designed to assist individuals in effectively quitting smoking.

How can I access NHS Stop Smoking Services?

You can easily access NHS Stop Smoking Services at GP surgeries, pharmacies, and mobile clinics. For further information, you may also contact the Smokefree National Helpline at 0300 123 1044.

What is a personalised quit plan, and how can it help me?

A personalised quit plan is a custom action plan created with assistance from an NHS adviser, designed to guide you through your smoking cessation journey. This approach enhances your likelihood of success by breaking down the quitting process into manageable steps.

What types of nicotine replacement therapies are available?

Nicotine replacement therapies include patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators, and sprays, along with nicotine-free options such as varenicline. These therapies effectively aid in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

How can I prevent relapse after quitting smoking?

To prevent relapse after quitting smoking, regularly attend support sessions, maintain an emergency contact for cravings, and monitor carbon monoxide levels. Additionally, recognising and managing triggers with the help of an advisor can further enhance your chances of staying smoke-free.

REFERENCES

(1) NHS stop smoking services help you quit

(2) Stop smoking services: increased chances of quitting

(3) Action on Smoking and Health ASH: Stopping Smoking

(4) Smokefree City & Hackney: We are your local stop smoking service

(5) Well Newham: Stop Smoking

(6) Redbridge: Stop Smoking

(7) A Randomized Trial of E-Cigarettes versus Nicotine-Replacement Therapy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage 

Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes.  Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking.  During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.