If you’re looking to quit smoking, it’s important that you understand the different ways that people can quit. The most common way is to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), NRT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while still providing some benefits from tobacco smoke. Keep reading to find out how to stop smoking and to manage the effects from quitting. Also, continue reading to find out how we can support you to go smoke free in the West Midlands.
Why should you quit smoking?
Quitting smoking is a great way to improve your health, but it can also help you feel better about yourself mentally. People who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to have a number of serious health problems including: heart disease, lung cancer and emphysema. Smoking also makes it harder for people with lung cancer or emphysema (among other diseases) to breathe properly; this makes their symptoms worse and increases their risk of early death by up to 60%.
If you’ve unsuccessfully tried quitting smoking before, don’t give up! There are many ways that quitting can help improve your overall quality of life.
What are the common quit smoking effects?
You will feel better. You’ll smell better. Your clothes will finally be able to breathe again, and they won’t smell like cigarettes anymore either! You’ll look better, too, and these are just some of the many benefits of quitting smoking that most people don’t realise right away.
You’ll also save money on things like medicine and visits to the GP due to the complications caused by smoking. And finally, if you want help cutting down your addiction, there are plenty of programmes available in your area that could help with that too!
What are the steps for me to go smoke-free?
Quitting smoking can be a difficult but rewarding process. The following are some tips to help you get started:
- Set a quit date and stick to it.
- Identify your triggers and try to avoid them.
- Seek support from friends and family or consider joining a support group.
- Try nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum.
- Practice stress-management techniques, such as exercise or deep breathing.
- Keep yourself occupied with new hobbies or activities.
- Reward yourself for milestones reached in your quitting journey.
Remember, quitting smoking is a process and it’s normal to experience setbacks. Stay motivated, stay strong, and seek support as needed.
Going cold turkey
The most effective way to quit smoking is cold turkey. This means that you will not use any aids such as patches or gum, but instead decide to stop entirely.
It is not easy to stop smoking this way, but it can be done if you have the willpower to do so. The benefits of quitting cold turkey are greater than using NRTs such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
A nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) programme
An NRT programme is a great way to help you stop smoking. NRTs include nicotine patches, gums and lozenges. These products are available over-the-counter from pharmacies or supermarkets and can be used to help you cut down your smoking or stop altogether.
Some people find that NRTs help them to reduce the amount of time they spend smoking each day, which makes them more likely to quit completely when they are ready.
How can I manage the effects of quitting smoking and where can I get support in the West Midlands?
Visit your nearest Knights Pharmacy branch or book your appointment today to get stop-smoking products and support. You’ll also learn ways to go smoke-free in the West Midlands. Shop online at Chemist.net for quit-smoking aids.
This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor
