INCREASE YOUR ODDS OF QUITTING - IF YOU GET THE RIGHT SUPPORT

You’ll increase your odds of successfully stopping smoking by up to four times if you get the right support. QUIT is an independent charity which has helped over 2 million smokers. QUIT Counsellors can offer you friendly help and advice throughout your quitting process. So to discuss any concerns you have just ring Quitline® 0800 00 22 00 - a trained counsellor is there to help you from 9am - 9pm, seven days a week or email

Both Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Zyban have been proven to double a smoker’s odds of quitting successfully. If you take NRT or Zyban AND get support from a local stop smoking group you increase your chances by up to 4 times! A new treatment Champix has been clinically proven to more than treble a smokers odds of successfully quitting. All these treatments are available on prescription. Here’s a brief description of the range of products available :

Nicotine Patch (NicAssist (only available at Boots), Nicorette, Nicotinell, NiQuitin CQ)

Patches are most helpful to people who like to feel protected from cravings throughout the day. They are easy to use and should be applied to dry non-hairy skin such as the upper arm, thigh or chest. The patches offer a continuous supply of nicotine throughout the day to help relieve the withdrawal symptoms and physical cravings you’ll experience. You may still get urges to smoke but these will not be as strong. A patch lasts either 16 or 24 hours, each of which come in three strengths delivering different amounts of nicotine, which is absorbed slowly through the skin. You are recommended to use them for up to 3 months depending on the brand you choose, starting off with the most appropriate strength for you. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions. Some people experience a slight itching or redness of the skin and this can be lessened by varying the position of the patch when you apply a new one.

Nicotine Gum (NicAssist, Nicorette, Nicotinell, NiQuitin CQ)

Nicotine gum helps you to control your cravings whenever you feel the urge to smoke. It is different from ordinary chewing gum and can have a slightly peppery taste, especially to begin with, so you may have to persevere in using it. It is important to use it properly to get the full benefit. The gum comes in two strengths, regular (2mg) and maximum (4mg) and in a choice of flavours. The brand you select will determine which strength you use. The gum should be chewed slowly and then rested between your gum and the side of your mouth, repeatedly, for about 30 minutes. You should gradually reduce the number of gums you chew over about three months. Maximum strength NRT gum can also help reduce weight gain associated with quitting smoking. The nicotine is slowly absorbed through the lining of the mouth. The main side effect is slight irritation of the mouth and throat, but this lessens with use. The gum is difficult to use if you wear dentures and can aggravate stomach ulcers.

Nicotine Lozenges (Nicotinell, NiQuitin CQ)

The lozenge is an effective alternative to the gum and is available in a variety of strengths. The brand you select will determine which strength you use. You take one lozenge every hour or two for the first few weeks and then gradually reduce the number you take each day over the next few weeks until you don’t need the lozenges anymore. Like the gum, the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Research has shown that the 4mg NRT lozenge can also help reduce weight gain associated with quitting smoking.

Nicotine Microtab (Nicorette)

The Microtab is a small white tablet containing nicotine that dissolves under your tongue. Don’t suck, chew or swallow it, as this will reduce the amount of nicotine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Nicotine Nasal Spray (Nicorette)

The nicotine nasal spray is good for people who get severe withdrawal symptoms or who smoke heavily. The nicotine nasal spray comes in a bottle with a nozzle that delivers a dose of nicotine via a fine spray squirted into each nostril. It can be used up to 32 times per day. The nicotine is quickly absorbed through the lining of the nose. It mimics cigarettes more closely by giving a relatively fast effect. The spray may irritate your nose and throat, especially at first. However if you persevere this lessens. NRT nasal spray can help reduce weight gain associated with quitting smoking.

Nicotine Inhalator (NicAssist, Nicorette)

The inhalator is helpful when your body craves the nicotine and your hands miss a cigarette. The inhalator looks like a cigarette holder, inside which you place a cartridge containing nicotine. You simply suck on the inhalator when you get a craving. Nicotine is taken into the mouth and the back of the throat but not into the lungs.

Zyban

Your GP will be able to advise if Zyban is suitable for you depending on your medical history. It is only available on prescription. Zyban is an effective treatment, which has helped many smokers to quit. It is a non-nicotine tablet. A course of Zyban tablets lasts two months. You start taking Zyban while you are still smoking and set a date for quitting during the second week of treatment. It is not suitable for people who have a history of blackouts, fits, head injury or brain tumor but your GP will advise you further. The most common side effects are difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and headache.

Champix

This is a non-nicotine therapy developed specifically for stopping smoking. It works in two ways – it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms and it also diminishes the sense of satisfaction associated with smoking; potentially preventing a lapse from turning into a full relapse. Champix is only available on prescription from your GP and NHS Stop Smoking Services. You start taking the tablet while you are still smoking and set a quit date 8-14 days ahead. The dosage is gradually increased until you are taking 2 tablets a day. The treatment lasts for 12 weeks. The most common side effects are nausea and sleep disturbance.

Glucose

There is now some preliminary evidence that glucose tablets reduce cravings and may help people to stop smoking.

Specialist Clinics and Support Groups

Groups can help you to feel less alone in your attempt to quit. Being with other people who are also stopping can provide that all-important mutual support and a sense of being understood. They are usually run over a period of weeks and guide you through the different stages of quitting.

There are a growing number of both specialist clinics and support groups. Ring Quitline 0800 00 22 00 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and a QUIT Counsellor will be able to tell you the location of your nearest group or clinic.

EXERCISE HELPS

Research shows that undertaking exercise while stopping smoking can increase your chance of being successful. QUIT in conjunction with fitness experts have designed an exercise programme specifically for smokers to help you with your quit attempt. The step-by-step programme focuses on the areas most likely to be affected by smoking; lung capacity and cardiovascular health. “Keep QUIT” has 4 levels of intensity designed to cater for a wide range of fitness and ability. It can be downloaded by visiting www.quit.org.uk Alternatively choose any physical activity you enjoy and fit it into your quitting plan at least 3-4 times a week. Exercise will help your body cope with withdrawal symptoms and boost your self-confidence and well-being.

WATCH YOUR WEIGHT

If you feel you need to loose weight it’s best to cope with stopping smoking first. If you try to do both at once you are more likely to fail. Quitting smoking is the most important thing a person can do to improve their health. If you put on weight while trying to quit resolve to do something about it as soon as you feel you are able to cope without cigarettes. In the meantime increase your exercise routine and eat healthily.

For QUIT’s new free booklet So You Want a Healthy Body? ring Quitline 0800 00 22 00 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you have a specific question contact a QUIT Counsellor on 0800 00 22 00 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it