Give up smoking methods

  There’s more than one way to give up so choose the one that feels right for you.

Read about the A-Z of giving up methods from Acupuncture to Zyban. There’s more than one way to give up so choose the one that feels right for you.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves needles being inserted into key pressure points on various parts of the body. The process is not painful and patients are then left to relax for half an hour or so. The needles are then removed except for two tiny ones which remain in the ear. The idea is to touch an ear lobe when a craving comes on. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture in helping people give up, but some smokers have found it valuable.

Cold turkey
Stopping without any kind of aid. Although physical symptoms can be more extreme in the early few days, they fade away within the first two or three weeks. Most people give up smoking using this method.

A resolve to get fit can be a great way to help you, go to Getting fit for life for more advice and information.

Email motivator
Sign up for regular email messages tailored to specific points in your recovery to update you on the progress your body is making and give you plenty of reasons to stay strong if you’re tempted to give in...

Hypnotherapy
Although nicotine is a physically addictive drug, smoking also has many psychological associations. Hypnotherapy tries to alter the subconscious mind’s dependence on smoking as a habit. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in helping people give up, but some smokers have found it valuable.

Laser treatment
This is a new treatment developed by a former smoker, which uses a painless, low-powered laser to stimulate energy points on the body. These in turn stimulate production of endorphins - the body’s natural pain relief chemicals - and, theoretically, relieve nicotine cravings. There are no clinical tests to prove the effectiveness of laser treatment in helping people give up.

Evidence shows that you’re more likely to stop smoking for good if you get the right support like stop smoking services which offer free, specialist advice tailored to your individual needs. Most services offer both group sessions and one-to-one support, and can help you get nicotine gum and patches on prescription.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Now available on prescription, NRT is clinically proven to be twice as effective as the cold turkey method. NRT eases withdrawal symptoms while the smoker gets used to not smoking and the dose is gradually reduced. For the best results, follow the instructions carefully and consult your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure about anything. NRT is available in many forms allowing you to choose which will suit you best.

* Patches: discreet and easy to use, patches work by releasing a steady dose of nicotine into the blood stream, via the skin.

Some patches are intended to be worn during the day only and other "24-hour" patches are designed for 24-hour use in order to help stave off early morning cravings. Patches should be applied to a hairless part of your body such as your upper arm but don’t use in the same place two days running. You shouldn’t smoke while your patch is on or use any other form of NRT unless advised by your GP. A week’s supply of patches costs in the region of £15, although you can now ask your GP to make it available to you on prescription.

* Gum: gum allows you to control your nicotine dose. Learning to chew the gum properly is important. The idea is to chew gently until you get the flavour and then "park" the gum in your cheek so that nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

* Nasal spray: this is the strongest form of NRT and is a small bottle of nicotine solution, which is sprayed directly into the nose. Absorbed faster than any other kind of NRT, this can help heavier smokers, especially where other forms of NRT have failed.

* Microtab: the microtab is a small white tablet which you put underneath your tongue and leave. It works by being absorbed into the lining of the mouth.

* Lozenge: is like a sweet that you suck slowly. It gives you nicotine in a similar way to the microtab.

* Inhalator: is a plastic device shaped like a cigarette with a nicotine cartridge fitted into it. Sucking on the mouthpiece releases nicotine vapour, which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. Inhalators are useful for people who miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking

Publications
A range of self-help materials are available that provide information and advice on stopping smoking - from the physical side-effects to details about health problems and smoking related disease. You can download some of the most popular resources, or order from the full range of resources free of charge.

Together
Together is a new programme designed to help you stop smoking. We’ll support you every step of the way with information packs, texts, emails and call backs throughout the giving up process.

Zyban (buproprion)
Zyban is one of the newest drugs to the market and is available on prescription. It works by suppressing the part of the brain that gives the smoker a nicotine buzz when smoking a cigarette. The smoker starts taking Zyban before giving up, and the drug puts them off cigarettes, because they no longer get the "hit". It reduces the cravings as well as the usual withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, sweating and irritability. Some users of Zyban have reported unpleasant side effects such as nausea, headaches, dry mouth and blurred vision. Zyban is not recommended if you are pregnant, breast feeding, have a history of epilepsy, liver disease or an eating disorder. Early findings show it to be highly effective, but for maximum effect it should be used as part of an overall give-up smoking plan.

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