Smoking - tips on stopping: Part 4

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Be positive. You can tell people that you don't smoke. You will smell better. After a few weeks you should feel better, taste your food more, and cough less. You will have more money. Perhaps put away the money you would have spent on cigarettes for treats.

Food. Some people worry about gaining weight when they go smokefree as their appetite may improve. Anticipate an increase in appetite, and try not to increase fatty or sugary foods as snacks. Try sugar-free gum and fruit instead.

Don't despair if you fail. Examine the reasons why you felt it was more difficult at that particular time. It will make you stronger next time. On average, people who eventually stop smoking have made 3 or 4 previous attempts.

Local NHS Stop Smoking Services offer free one-to-one or group support sessions and advice in your area. Getting support this way really works, one in two people who use their local NHS Stop Smoking Service are not smoking four weeks later. There are over 150 across England and sessions are run in lots of venues in your area. Find out more and get details of your nearest service on the NHS Go Smokefree website.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help if withdrawal symptoms are troublesome. Nicotine gum, sprays, patches, tablets, lozenges, and inhalaters are all available on prescription. Using one of these roughly doubles your chance of stopping smoking if you really want to stop. A local NHS Stop Smoking Service, pharmacist, GP or practice nurse can advise about NRT.

Other stop smoking medicines such as Zyban and Champix may also help you to cope with cravings. They are only available on prescription and should be taken 1-2 weeks before you start to quit.

By Michelle Hall