Research shows that around two-thirds of smokers want to give up. If you're one of them, we've got some tips on how to cut down and give up the habit.
Why give up?
Your partner/best friend/kids might want you to give up, but you have to want to as well.
Here are a few things to consider:
- It's expensive
- It has proven links to cancers
- It makes your fingers and teeth yellow
- It makes your breath less than lovely
- It makes you wrinkly
- It makes exercising even harder work
Knowing why you smoke can also work wonders. If you always light up during the same stressful situation, address the situation instead of reaching for that ciggie.
January is the ideal time to quit; the party season is over, leaving fewer opportunities to sneak in a cheeky fag, and sheltering from the winter weather in a doorway smoking as quickly as you can isn't any fun.
Patch it up
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is twice as effective as giving up cold turkey - you get used to not smoking as the nicotine dose is reduced slowly. NRT comes in various forms.
Patches release a steady stream of nicotine into the blood stream, while nicotine gum lets you control the nicotine dose. Other methods include nasal sprays (particularly effective for heavy smokers), microtabs, lozenges and inhalators (especially good for smokers who miss the hand-to-mouth smoking action).
Recent changes mean that an entire programme of NRT (usually 12 weeks for patches) is now available direct from chemists for the price of just one prescription. You need to have a consultation with the pharmacist, but it's around £150 cheaper than buying them off the shelf.
Try Zyban
One of the newer aids to quitting smoking, Zyban works by suppressing the part of the brain that gives smokers that nicotine buzz. You start taking it before giving up and, with time, the drug will put you off cigarettes and reduce cravings - although side effects can include nausea and headaches. Effective it is, but it should be used as part of a wider quitting plan.
