How medicines fit in?

There are three different types of medical treatments available on the NHS or on general sale to help you quit smoking. These treatments differ in several ways, for example, in how you use them, whether you get them from your doctor, pharmacist or over the counter, how they work to reduce the body’s craving for nicotine and their success rates.

Your local healthcare professionals, such as your doctor, practice nurse or local NHS Stop Smoking Adviser, will be able to advise you further about the different treatment options available.

Your support options

As well as medical treatment, the NHS and specialist stop smoking charities can offer you support – providing you with the skills and information you need to become a non-smoker. You’ll have help planning and preparing yourself before the big day, then after you quit you’ll be given the motivation and advice you need to help you keep going.

There are both individual and group sessions which you can attend or there’s even a number you can ring for `over the phone’ counselling. All support programmes tend to run over the course of a few weeks, so you’ll always have the support you need, when you need it.

Talking to your healthcare professional or your doctor will help you find the right support option for you.