Deciding to quit

The decision to quit smoking is a BIG one! When you’re thinking about quitting, it is really important to consider your motivation to quit, your hopes and fears, and what you expect to gain from your quit attempt, for example, more cash, improved health etc.

Some things to consider before you decide to quit:

Hopes:

I’ll save money ££££’s- yeah, what can I spend my cash on?!
My clothes and hair won’t stink of smoke
My skin won’t look like an elephants’ backside –wrinkly and leathery
I’ll be fitter and able to breathe more easily

Fears :

May feel left out if friends are still smoking around me
Cigarettes help me relax and wind down
I always feel tempted when I have a drink

Not sure how ready you are to quit?

Have a look at the cycle of change and see where you’re at. Remember that most smokers go round the cycle several times before quitting completely.

[Prochaska & DiClemente]Prochaska & DiClemente1992SCM Prochaska, J. & DiClemente, C. (1992), Stages of Change in the Modification of Problem Behavior, in M. Hersen, R. Eisler & P. Miller (eds.), Progress in Behavior Modification, Vol. 28, Sycamore, IL: Sycamore Publishing Company

Thinking about quitting

Give yourself the final push and find out how much cash you'll save

Preparing to quit

The more you plan your quit attempt i.e. plan how to deal with tricky situations such as being around other smokers, or what to do if you get stressed, the better chance you have of staying quit.

Need help with preparing to quit?

Help to get you started

We have compiled a list of support resources which you can look at here.

From your GP or chemist

Currently there are nicotine patches, gum, microtabs, lozenges, inhalator and nasal spray. All products are available over the counter at you local pharmacy or ask your GP.

All products have been scientifically tested and results show that they can double your chances of stopping – as long as you use the right product in the right way. Your Pharmacist, Practice Nurse, GP, as well as your local stop smoking advisor can show you how to use the product correctly.

How does it work?

NRT works by delivering nicotine into your body without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals that are found in cigarettes. This means you can still get some nicotine, without experiencing all the health risks of smoking. Once your nicotine withdrawal symptoms are controlled you will find it easier to kick the habit of smoking.

Nicotine Patches

Patches come in different strengths according to your level of addiction. They deliver a steady dose of nicotine through the skin, and are easy and discrete to use. However, you cannot control the dose and wearing a patch won’t help with the desire to put something in your mouth.

Nicotine Gum

The gum comes in two strengths, 2mg and 4mg. Whatever strength you use, you must use enough and use it correctly. Chew the gum whenever you get a craving. The gum comes in mint, fruit, classic or liquorice flavour.

Inhalator

This is a plastic holder with nicotine cartridges. You draw on it like a cigarette, so the nicotine vapour passes into your blood stream through the lining of your mouth. The product can help quitters who really miss the sensation of putting something into their mouth.

Microtab

Microtabs are small tablets that are placed under your tongue. The nicotine from the tablet is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. The microtab should not be chewed, sucked or swallowed as this prevents it from working.

Lozenge

The lozenge can be sucked slowly and then left to rest in the same way as the microtab. The lozenge comes in two strengths - 2mg, 4mg in mint or original flavour.

Nasal Spray

The spray is suitable for those with a heavy addiction. It can cause irritation to the nose and eyes.

Currently NRT for under 18’s is predominantly accessed through your family doctor and are prescribed at his/her discretion.

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH ALL NICOTINE REPLACEMENT PRODUCTS TO ENSURE THAT YOU CAN USE YOUR CHOSEN PRODUCT CORRECTLY AND GAIN THE FULL BENEFIT FROM IT.