Giving up

Our expert answers the most common questions smokers want answers to before they give up.

What's the best way of giving up?  
Everyone is different. It depends how addicted you are and how much you want to give up. If you really want to stop, there are several effective ways such as nicotine replacement therapy and self-help coaching. Psychological help and alternative therapy are also very effective. 

Is there a 'right time' to stop?   
Not really. If you're going to give yourself the best chance of stopping, it has to be your decision, and you have to really want to.  

Why seek help from your doctor?   
Because there's a lot of help out there available for everyone, such as nicotine substitutes. Your surgery might have a clinic or a nurse who will help you with your own personalised plan and give you support.

What about putting on weight?  
If you're happy in your body and in your mind you should be able to control your appetite. However, nicotine is an appetite suppressant, so if you use nicotine replacements they will also help you stop replacing nicotine with food at first. At the end of the day, you have to think about what's important: your health. Watch your alcohol intake and make the most of your healthier lungs by exercising to help you burn off any excess. 
 
For an in-depth guide to giving up without piling on the pounds, see the following article: Stop smoking without gaining weight