From 1st of July 2007 all enclosed pubs, bars, restaurants and workplaces in England will become smokefree
Find out more about the different options available to you. There are millions ex-smokers in the UK. If they can do it so can you! Stopping smoking is not easy, but it can be achieved. You have to want to! Some smokers quit on their second or third attempt, so don’t stop trying – it will get easier.
Find the method to suit you and your lifestyle best. Every smoker’s experience of trying to stop varies, what can work for some will not necessarily work for others. There are numerous methods and products on the market. It is important to check whether the product is safe and effective before you spend your time and money on it. Remember there is no magic solution.
Giving Up Smoking?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
NRT products help smokers by replacing some of the nicotine normally obtained from smoking. Nicotine replacement helps to wean smokers off nicotine by slowly lowering the amounts of nicotine. It is also a way of delivering nicotine without the harmful tar, gases and other elements of smoking. Most importantly NRT reduces the cravings for cigarettes and the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting.
Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure. If you have a medical condition, any health worries or are pregnant, it is important that you talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.
Patches (Nicotinell, Nicorette, Boots, NiQuitin CQ)
Gum (Nicotinell, Nicorette, Boots, NiQuitin CQ)
Nasal Spray (Nicorette)
Tablets (Nicorette) AND LOZENGES (Nicotinell, NiQuitin CQ)
Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride SR)
Zyban is a non-nicotine treatment which helps smokers who are already motivated to quit. It reduces the cravings for cigarettes and the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting.
It is available on NHS prescription from a GP. Zyban works by breaking the addiction to nicotine and differs from nicotine replacement therapies as it does not substitute with nicotine Zyban comes in tablet form; and as with any medicine, some people may experience side-effects whilst taking Zyban, so always consult your doctor first.
Hypno – Therapy
Hypnotherapy (the word is derived from the Greek word to sleep ‘hypnos’) works for some and not for others. Therapists use various relaxation and suggestion techniques to overcome addiction and habit.
If you decide to try Hypno therapy, find a registered practitioner. Contact either the The Institute of Complementary Medicine, Tel: 020 7237 5165 www.icmedicine.co.uk
or The British Complementary Medicine Association Tel: 0845 345 5977 www.bcma.co.uk
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular and more and more GP refer treatment. It concentrates on stimulating specific pressure points in the body with a fine needle or laser.
If you don’t like needles then try Laser Therapy. Both types of treatments may take a few visits. Look out for practitioners who are members of a professional body, for example, British Acupuncture Council http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/ or the British Medical Acupuncture Society http://www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk/
Aversion Therapy
Aversion therapy concetnrates on putting you off your cigarette. Various techniques are used to condition the mind of the smoker, so the idea of smoking is linked to highly unpleasant feelings or situations.
If you decide to try Hypno therapy, find a registered practitioner. Contact either the The Institute of Complementary Medicine, Tel: 020 7237 5165 www.icmedicine.co.uk
or The British Complementary Medicine Association Tel: 0845 345 5977 www.bcma.co.uk
Dummy Cigarettes
This product helps with smokers who are struggling with breaking the habitual addiction. If you need something in your mouth, it provides the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. Dummy cigarettes will not aid in suppressing you nicotine cravings.
Available from most pharamicies.
Filters
Filters fit on the end of your cigarette, trapping some of the tar and nicotine as you inhale. Be careful not to overcompensate and puff longer and harder. They are for helping smokers lower thier nicotine intake.
Available from most pharmacies.
Mouthwash
Special mouthwashes are available which, alter the taste and making cigarettes taste unpleasant. Ultimately the smoker will hopefully associate smoking with the awful taste.
If you are unsure or pregnant women check with your doctor first.
Cold Turkey
Going ‘Cold Turkey’ (giving up smoking without drugs) works for a lot of people, as they are prepared for a mental fight. Willpower is a strong force when applied. The benefits of going cold turkey are that it will be over with quicker, its free, and you are not transferring your addicytions onto another replacement product.
Keeping busy, strong willpower along with a healthy diet and exercise regime will all help in making the process easier.
Useful Links for a Smoke Free life
Smoking Helpline: 0800 169 0 169 (every day, 7am-11pm) Website: www.gosmokefree.co.uk
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Tel: 020 7739 5902 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Website: www.ash.org.uk
QUIT Quitline: 0800 00 22 00 (Daily 9am-9pm) Website: www.quit.org.uk
No Smoking Day www.nosmokingday.org.uk For more on No Smoking Day, and useful information.