Taking the decision to stop smoking is the first critical step to becoming an ex-smoker.
You can strengthen your resolve even more by understanding your addiction to smoking, knowing the different quitting methods available, and by properly preparing for the first day you stop. You’ll be more in control when you stop smoking, stronger throughout the process, and have a better chance of staying off cigarettes for good.
Why is it hard to quit
Once you’ve stopped smoking, your desire for cigarettes may last for quite a while. Nicotine is a powerful drug, but it is not the only thing that pulls you back to cigarettes.
To help you become an ex-smoker, you need to address your emotions, your habits and your physical cravings as they relate to smoking. Once you understand them, you’ll be on your way to a life without cigarettes.
Ways to quit
Willpower alone:
Willpower is the foundation of giving up smoking, and works best combined with other methods.
Stop smoking aids:
Products such as patches, lozenges, nasal sprays and inhalers can help with your physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Counselling:
Counselling and other types of support can bolster your emotional strength and help you break your smoking routines.
Click to Quit Programme:
A combination of your own individually tailored support plan and products that help you overcome your attachment to smoking.
Alternative Therapies:
Therapies such as acupuncture and hypnosis may offer some people relief from the stress of giving up smoking.
Prescription only medicine:
Some medicines are available by prescription. You might want to talk to your GP about this option.
