Stop Smoking

Why quit smoking?

Quitting smoking brings powerful and immediate benefits - and the earlier you stop, the more you stand to gain. No matter how old you are or how long you’ve smoked, your health begins to improve the moment you put that final cigarette down.

When you quit, your body gets to work on clearing out harmful toxins as it begins to repair itself.

Here are some of the ways it can benefit you:

• Physical health gains: Quitting reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and many other conditions. As your body heals, you may also notice improvements in breathing, energy levels and even your skin and teeth may appear brighter
• Mental health gains: Giving up smoking delivers significant mental health benefits - it can help you feel calmer, less anxious and more positive 
• Family and friends: You can protect loved ones from the dangers of second‑hand smoke, particularly in children and unborn babies 

What’s the best way to stop smoking?

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to quit smoking - the best approach is the one that works for you.

Many people find they’re more successful with the help of stop smoking aids such as patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays or stop smoking tablets like varenicline – previously known as Champix - or bupropion – which you might recognise under the brand name Zyban.

These treatments help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by replacing or blocking nicotine, making it easier to stay on track. You can also speak to your GP or any local stop smoking service for personalised support.

How do stop smoking aids work?

Stop smoking aids work by tackling the physical side of nicotine addiction - helping you to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you adjust to life without cigarettes.

• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches, gum, lozenges and nasal sprays provide a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in smoke
• Stop smoking tablets such varenicline and Zyban don’t contain nicotine. Instead, they affect the brain’s response to smoking - reducing enjoyment, cravings and withdrawal symptoms

You can use some products on their own or combine them. You might opt to wear a patch and chew gum for extra support, for example.

Many people also benefit from stop smoking services which offer expert advice, behavioural support and plans tailored to you.

A combination of physical and emotional support gives you a better chance of quitting for good.

What’s the right treatment to stop smoking?

Finding the right way to quit smoking depends on your lifestyle and how much support you feel you need.

Some people prefer a steady approach like you find with nicotine patches while others respond better to fast-acting products like gum or prescription tablets.

You can use many of these treatments alone or combine some of them for a stronger effect.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common stop smoking aids available:

Nicotine patches

Nicotine patches deliver a slow, steady dose of nicotine through the skin to help control cravings throughout the day.

You can opt for a 24-hour patch that covers you all day or a 16-hour patch that works while you’re awake. They’re available in different strengths and easy to use, making them an ideal choice if you want consistent support.

Nicotine gum

Nicotine gum provides quick relief from cravings by releasing nicotine as you chew and rest it on the inside of your cheek.

It’s easy to carry around which makes it useful when cravings strike suddenly, perhaps after meals or during stressful moments.

Gum also works well alongside patches if you need extra support.

Sprays and inhalators

These fast-acting options mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking and provide nicotine quickly through your nose or mouth. 

Sprays are one of the fastest ways to absorb nicotine, while inhalators let you control your dose over time. Both are helpful for sudden cravings and are faster-acting compared to gum or lozenges.

Nicotine lozenges

Nicotine lozenges dissolve slowly in your mouth – ideally while resting against the inside of your cheek. They release nicotine over 20 to 30 minutes.

Like gum, they’re ideal if you want something discreet and easy to use on the go.

Stop smoking tablets

Prescription tablets like varenicline and Zyban (bupropion) don’t contain nicotine.

Instead, they work on your brain’s chemical pathways to reduce withdrawal symptoms and make smoking less enjoyable. These are usually taken for several weeks and may be more effective when combined with behavioural support.

How to use

Stop smoking treatments work best when used consistently and as directed.

Each product comes with its own instructions - whether it’s a patch applied daily, a lozenge dissolved slowly or a tablet taken at certain times.

To get the most from your treatment, it’s important to:

• Choose a product that suits your routine and habits
• Use it for the full recommended course
• Combine products, like a patch and gum, if you need the extra support
• Consider pairing your treatment with stop smoking support services or support groups

If you're unsure where to start, speak to your pharmacist or GP - they can help you find the right combination and explain how to use each aid properly.

FAQ

Are nicotine patches or tablets more effective?

Both nicotine patches and stop smoking tablets can be effective, but they work in different ways so the best option depends on your needs.

Nicotine patches steadily release nicotine into your body to reduce cravings. They’re widely used, easy to apply and can be worn throughout the day or night.

Stop smoking tablets don’t contain nicotine. Instead, they change the way your brain responds to smoking, helping reduce both withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke.

If you're not sure which to try, a pharmacist or GP can help you choose the treatment that’s right for you.

Can stop smoking pills help me quit for good?

Yes - stop smoking pills can improve your chances of quitting long term. They work by reducing cravings and making smoking less rewarding, rather than replacing nicotine.

Taken as part of a treatment plan and combined with support they offer a strong chance of success - especially if other methods haven’t worked for you.

How long does it take to quit smoking with support?

Everyone’s journey is different, but most NRT treatments are designed to be used for at least 12 weeks. A course of tablets like varenicline are often also a 12 week course.

With the right support, some people start to feel more in control after the first few days, with cravings easing more and more over time.

Are there any side effects to treatments?

Some stop smoking treatments can cause mild side effects like nausea, sleep issues or skin irritation – especially with patches. 

Stop smoking tablets may cause headaches or vivid dreams.

Side effects vary by person and product but they’re usually temporary and less harmful than continuing to smoke.

If you’re worried about how any treatment makes you feel, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.

Are vapes worse than smoking?

No - while not risk-free, vaping is considered less harmful than smoking. Vapes don’t burn tobacco, so you avoid many of the toxins found in cigarette smoke.

Having said that, vaping is not harmless. We don’t yet know its long-term health effects and it should only be used as a tool for quitting smoking and not taken up by non-smokers or children.

Sources

1. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/why-quit-smoking/benefits-of-quitting-smoking/
2. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/varenicline/about-varenicline/
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20035-bupropion-sustained-release-tablets-smoking-cessation
4. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/stop-smoking/quit
5. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/staying-smoke-free/managing-nicotine-withdrawal-symptoms
6. https://feelgoodsuffolk.co.uk/stop-smoking/stop-smoking-aids/
7. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/quit-with-nicotine-free-medicines/
8. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quit-smoking-medications/how-to-use-quit-smoking-medicines/how-to-combine-medicines.html
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11. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quit-smoking-medications/how-to-use-quit-smoking-medicines/how-to-use-the-nicotine-lozenge.html
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