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Smoking
I only used to smoke in the pub when I'd had a few drinks. When the smoking ban came into force, I thought 'great, this is the perfect time to give up completely'
Isabel
Smoking is in decline in the UK, however around 100,000 people die prematurely each year because they smoke. Giving up can have a positive effect on your health, and your purse.
Whether you smoke every day or consider yourself to be a 'social smoker' you should stop, as even infrequent smoking can seriously damage your health.
Why give up?
22 per cent of all male deaths and 11 per cent of all female deaths are due to smoking. Within 10 to 15 years of giving up, an ex-smoker's risk of developing lung cancer is only slightly greater than someone who never smoked.
Although smoking less is obviously better than doing nothing, it is not a recommended strategy. It is thought that having fewer cigarettes can encourage you to smoke more 'aggressively' in order to take in the same level of nicotine.
What sort of help can I get?
Willpower alone is not a very effective way to stop smoking. Receiving support from a specially trained therapist can make you more likely to succeed.
Take these easy steps to giving up
- Keep a smoking diary for a week before you stop. Write down when, where and why you smoke and how it makes you feel.
- Then consider when you might miss smoking.
- Think of things you could do instead.
- Focus on why you are pleased to be giving up smoking.
- Think of all the benefits you'll gain.
- Pick a day to give up. Go for a day when you are likely to be relaxed and not under pressure. Plan ahead for a day when it will be easier to avoid smoking.
- Make the decision to stop.
- Don't give up giving up! Changing habits like smoking takes time and hard work and sometimes it is difficult. Keep focusing on the positive things you have achieved. If you do relapse, set a new date to stop again.
- Use your friends and family as support
- Ask your local GP for information on local smoking cessation clinics or support groups
- Call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169 or contact QUITLINE on 0800 002200.
- Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy, such as patches, gum, nasal sprays, inhalers or lozenges.
- Zyban - a prescription drug for nicotine dependency
- Try alternative therapies such as hypnosis or acupuncture
- Buy a self-help book such as Alan Carr's 'Easy Way to Stop Smoking'.
For further information, please call us on: 0300 330 0659 or email us on:
action@actiononaddiction.org.uk