Using a stop smoking service can really make a difference to your chances of success. Research shows that people who use them are twice as likely to succeed than people who try to give up smoking on their own.
Stop smoking services have specialist treatment for people who want to give up smoking. They can:
- give you information about smoking and giving up
- help you prepare a plan for stopping and give ongoing support
- prescribe medicines to help improve withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings
- arrange weekly meetings where you can meet other people who are trying to give up.
There are stop smoking services across the UK:
Medicines
The first 3 or 4 days after you have stopped can be the most difficult. You may have withdrawal symptoms from nicotine and this might tempt you to smoke again. There are medicines that can help, but make sure you get them before you plan to give up smoking. It is best to start taking medicines like Varenicline and Bupropion 1 to 2 weeks before you quit.
Your GP or staff at your local stop smoking service can talk to you about these medicines.