The best ways to give up smoking
Publication Date:27/12/2007
Introduction
Have you made a New Year's resolution to give up smoking? It won't be easy, but research shows that there are treatments that can really help. See what the studies say about the best way to quit.
So you want to stop smoking?
Giving up smoking is hard because you've probably become addicted to nicotine, a chemical in tobacco. Some people are happy to try and give up smoking using just their willpower. But if you think you need some extra help, or you've tried to give up on your own before and failed, there are several things out there that can help, including treatments and support programmes.
Many people quit smoking successfully the first time they try. But others need to try a few times before they can call themselves a non-smoker. The main thing is, don't give up trying to stop. Half of all smokers eventually manage to give up.
Getting professional help
Studies show that getting professional support from a GP, pharmacist or a specially trained counsellor can really help you to give up smoking. A professional can tell you about the benefits of giving up smoking and give you the support you need to do it. It depends what's available in your area – you might benefit from one-to-one counselling or group therapy, where you'll be able to swap tips with other people who are trying to quit. Telephone advice and self-help materials such as videos and computer programmes can also help. Ask your GP or pharmacist what is available in your area.
Medicines
There are several medicines that research shows can help you give up smoking. It's best to use these in combination with professional advice and support (see above).
Nicotine replacement therapy (sometimes called NRT) is available in many different forms including patches, gum, lozenges, tablets that you put under your tongue, a nasal spray and an inhaler. You can buy these from a pharmacy and you may be able to get them on prescription from your doctor. People normally use them for about three months.
There are good studies to show that if you smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day, NRT increases the chances that you'll stop. NRT products supply your body with a small dose of nicotine, so you're less likely to feel withdrawal effects when you stop smoking. It's these effects, like feeling depressed or anxious or finding it hard to concentrate, that can make people who are trying to quit reach for a cigarette. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which product is most suitable for you.
Bupropion (brand name Zyban) is a medicine that studies have shown can help people stop smoking. It was originally used to treat depression. You need a prescription from your doctor for this medicine. You start taking it two weeks before the day you plan to stop and continue taking it for seven to nine weeks after you stop smoking.
Varenicline (brand name Champix) is a new medicine that studies have shown can help people stop smoking. You need a prescription from your doctor for this medicine. You start taking varenicline one or two weeks before you plan to stop smoking, and you take it for 12 weeks. If your attempt to quit is successful, your doctor may recommend you take it for a further 12 weeks.
Sometimes medicines to help you stop smoking can cause side effects, or react with other medicines you are taking. Also, some medicines are not suitable for everyone. Read the information on the pack carefully, or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Some of these medicines are not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so be sure ask your pharmacist or GP which is suitable for you.
Things you can do for yourself
There's some evidence that taking regular exercise may help you stop smoking, although more research is needed. Exercise may help you suffer less from withdrawal symptoms. And exercise has many health benefits, and can also help you avoid putting on weight.
Sometimes, people go to a hypnotherapist when they are trying to stop smoking. Acupuncture is also popular, although there's good research to show that people who use acupuncture are no more likely to give up smoking than those who don't.
Stop smoking helplines
These helplines can provide valuable support – both before you quit and once you have stopped smoking.
The NHS offers a smoking helpline, which smokers and their families can call for free, expert advice. It's open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. The number is 0800 169 0 169.
You can also get advice and support from QUIT, a charity that aims to help people give up smoking. You can call them on 0800 00 22 00. The Quit website (www.quit.org.uk) also provides lots of useful information about quitting smoking, such as how to prepare to quit and keeping a diary.
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© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
