Quit Smoking for a Healthier Life

We’re here to support your smoke-free journey.

Breaking free from smoking is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support and guidance, you can overcome cravings, build healthier habits, and enjoy a smoke-free life. Take the first step today toward better health and a brighter future!

What’s the Best Way to Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking is tough, but the right strategy can help. Here are some effective ways to stop smoking:

  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Use patches, gum, or lozenges to reduce cravings.
  • Medication: Prescription medicines can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
  • Support Groups & Counseling: Talking to others can keep you motivated.
  • Healthy Distractions: Stay active, chew gum, or keep your hands busy.
  • Avoid Triggers: Identify and stay away from situations that make you want to smoke.
  • Set a Quit Date: Pick a day to stop and stick to it.

Find what works best for you and take the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free life!

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): A Smart Way to Quit Smoking

NRT helps reduce cravings by providing a controlled dose of nicotine without harmful chemicals. It comes in different forms, including:

  • Patches – Slow nicotine release through the skin.
  • Gum & Lozenges – Quick relief for sudden cravings.
  • Inhalers & Sprays – Fast-acting options for nicotine delivery.

NRT makes quitting easier by easing withdrawal symptoms and increasing success rates. For best results, combine it with support and healthy habits.

Are Vapes and E-Cigarettes a Good Way to Quit Smoking?

Some people use vapes and e-cigarettes to quit smoking, as they provide nicotine without the harmful tar in cigarettes. However, they still contain addictive nicotine and may have health risks. While they might be less harmful than smoking, the safest way to quit is through proven methods like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), counseling, and support groups. Talk to a doctor to find the best quit-smoking strategy for you.

Hypnotherapy and Other Effective Ways to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is challenging, but there are many methods to help. Hypnotherapy works by changing how your mind perceives smoking, reducing cravings. Other options include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), medication, counseling, and support groups. Finding the right approach for you can make quitting easier and improve your chances of success. Take the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free life today!

Create a Plan to Quit Smoking

Having a solid plan can keep you motivated and help you quit for good. Always remind yourself why you want to quit. If one method doesn’t work, try another—don’t give up! Follow this simple three-step plan:

1. Get Support from a Professional

  • Visit your doctor for advice and a prescription for quit-smoking medication.
  • Ask for a referral to a stop-smoking support group.
  • Use a stop-smoking app for extra motivation.

 

2. Choose a Quit Date

  • Inform your friends and family about your decision to quit.
  • Start seeing yourself as a non-smoker.
  • Find a quit buddy for mutual support.

3. Manage Cravings

  • Step away from situations where others are smoking.
  • Keep your hands and mouth occupied with gum or a stress ball.
  • Get fresh air or go for a short walk when cravings hit.

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking

When you quit smoking, your body begins to heal almost immediately, leading to significant improvements in your health over time. The sooner you quit, the faster you’ll feel the positive changes. Here’s how your health improves as time goes on:

Immediate Changes (First 30 Minutes to 1 Day)

After 30 minutes

Your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop to healthier, normal levels, immediately improving your circulation.

After 12 hours

The levels of nicotine and carbon monoxide in your bloodstream start to decrease, and your oxygen levels begin to rise.

After 1 day

Carbon monoxide is completely cleared from your body, and your lungs begin the process of self-healing, repairing damage caused by smoking.

Short-Term Changes (1 Day to 3 Days)

After 48 hours

Your senses of taste and smell improve, allowing you to enjoy food and fragrances more vividly.

After 3 days

Breathing becomes noticeably easier as your airways open up, and your energy levels rise, making physical activity more comfortable.

Medium-Term Changes (2 Weeks to 3-6 Months)

2 to 8 weeks

Blood circulation improves, leading to better cardiovascular health and reduced strain on your heart.

After 3-6 months

Lung function improves by up to 10%, which means you’ll breathe more easily and experience less coughing and shortness of breath.

Long-Term Changes (1 Year to 15 Years)

After 1 year

Your risk of heart attack is reduced by half compared to someone who continues to smoke.

After 5 years

Your risk of stroke decreases significantly, and your chances of developing certain cancers, like those of the mouth, throat, and bladder, drop dramatically. 

After 10–15 years

Lung cancer risk drops, other cancer risks decrease, heart attack risk matches non-smokers, and the body fully recovers.

Frequently asked questions about quitting smoking

Quitting smoking greatly improves your health, even within days. In just eight hours, nicotine and carbon monoxide levels drop significantly, and by 48 hours, they are completely eliminated from your body. Beyond health, quitting saves money—smoking 10 cigarettes daily can cost £1,500–£2,200 a year. You’ll also breathe easier, enjoy food more, improve skin and dental health, boost fertility, and protect your family from second-hand smoke.

Smoking is a major health risk, causing around 80,000 deaths annually in England. It harms various parts of the body, including the blood, by increasing clot formation, raising blood pressure, and narrowing arteries—leading to heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. The lungs suffer from coughs, colds, pneumonia, emphysema, and lung cancer, with smoking responsible for 84% of lung cancer deaths. It also increases the risk of cancers in the lips, tongue, esophagus, stomach, and kidneys. Unexpected effects include erectile dysfunction, reduced fertility, weakened bones, premature skin aging, stained teeth, gum disease, and bad breath. Beyond health, smoking is also financially draining. Quitting is challenging, but with the right support, it’s possible.

The NHS Stop Smoking service is free, and if it’s not available at your local pharmacy, you can still get free advice on smoking cessation products (NRT). However, you may need to pay for NRT unless you qualify for free prescriptions.

You don’t need an appointment—our team at your local LloydsPharmacy is ready to help you quit smoking whenever you’re ready. If you prefer to schedule an appointment for the NHS Stop Smoking service, simply contact your local pharmacy to arrange a convenient time. Appointments typically last up to 15 minutes, ensuring you have enough time to find the right treatment with our pharmacy team.

Why Wait??
Start your journey to a smoke-free life today!