How to give it up

There are lots of ways to quit smoking. Some people succeed with just sheer willpower and determination. But everyone's different and many need extra support to succeed.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine Replacement Therapy - often called NRT - can be used to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. It doesn't make quitting easy, but using NRT doubles your chances of kicking the habit for good.
There are many different forms of NRT including an inhalator, patches, lozenges, microtabs, nasal spray and chewing gum, which can all be purchased over the counter from your local pharmacist, or prescribed by your GP.

Get up to 8 Weeks FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy!

You can receive up to 8 weeks FREE NRT when you sign up to a support service through your local participating pharmacy.

Simply contact any of the services and let them know that you would like help to give up smoking. They will arrange a time for you to come in for an informal, one-to-one discussion in which you can discuss your smoking and what product may be suitable for you.

They will ask you to set a quit date- the day you agree to go smoke-free- and will issue you with your first week's FREE NRT*. You will then need to visit on a weekly basis to discuss your progress and collect the following week's worth of NRT (this can be quite brief, or longer if you need to discuss anything about your progress). If you have successfully quit after 4 weeks, you can obtain a further 4 weeks NRT at no extra charge.

* The recommended weekly dosage of any one NRT product. If you require a secondary product, for example, an inhalator in addition to patches, there may be a small charge for the second product. For further details please contact Lambeth Stop Smoking Service on 0800 856 3409.

Support is also available through your GP, with NRT available on prescription.

Pregnancies

If you are pregnant or have just had a baby, you can get even more help. Phone the Lambeth Stop Smoking Service on 0800 856 3409  or the Pregnancy Counsellor directly on 0207 411 5699 for more information and to make an appointment.

Specialist Smokers Clinic

The specialist smokers' clinic offers both group and one-to-one support and has one of the highest success rates.

The clinic offers a comprehensive 7 week programme with weekly appointments (daytime and evening groups). As well as providing you with support, the sessions also cover how to use NRT, Zyban or Champix and advise you of the most effective treatment to suit your needs.

If you successfully give up smoking the clinic can continue to give you ongoing support for up to a year.

The clinic is located at 4 Windsor Wk, Denmark Hill, SE5. Phone 020 7848 0054 for more information and to find out when the next group is commencing.

Drop-In Services

These can be really helpful to keep you going. Each service is run by a health champion who understands the importance - but also the difficulty - of giving up. You'll receive help, advice and support from the group leader and fellow quitters. Simply drop in or call our freephone helpline on 0800 856 3409 to find out more.

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Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies can also help you beat nicotine addiction. The Gateway Clinic in Lambeth is an NHS service which offers free therapies, such as Chinese medicine and acupuncture, to help your efforts. The clinic is located at Lambeth Hospital, 108 Landor Road SW9 9NT, 020 3228 6151.

Top Tips

Here are a few simple tips to help you beat the cravings and kick the habit:

  • Make plans for coping with stressful situations
  • Choose a quit date that will be stress-free, and stick to it!
  • Take it one day at a time and be proud of your achievement
  • Ask a friend to quit too and support each other, or join a support group
  • Consider using Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help manage the cravings
  • At the beginning, avoid situations where you may be tempted to smoke
  • Keep busy and exercise more; remember, a craving only lasts three minutes
  • Count the money you have saved and spend it on yourself!
  • Don't have 'just one' cigarette, or you will start smoking again
  • Think positively - YOU CAN DO IT!