Stopping Smoking: How we can help

Smoking is the single biggest preventable cause of illness and early death in the UK and around the world. Every year, it contributes to serious health conditions including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory diseases. The good news is that stopping smoking at any age can dramatically improve your health, and your local pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way.

Why Stopping Smoking Is So Important

• Health Risks: Smoking affects nearly every organ in your body. It increases the risk of cancers (lung, throat, mouth, bladder, and more), heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

• Life Expectancy: Smokers are estimated to live 10 years less than non-smokers on average.

• Second-Hand Smoke: Smoking also harms those around you, including children, partners, and colleagues.

• Statistics: According to Public Health England, about 70,000 deaths each year in England are caused by smoking-related diseases.

Even quitting later in life brings benefits. Within just 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure start to improve. Within 1 year, your risk of heart disease is cut by half. Long-term, stopping smoking can add years to your life and dramatically reduce your risk of serious illness.

How Your Pharmacy Can Help You Quit

Pharmacies offer specialist stop-smoking support and access to treatments that make quitting more achievable:

1. Behavioural Support:

   • Trained pharmacy staff can help you develop a personalised quit plan.

   • Regular check-ins provide encouragement and practical tips to manage cravings.

2. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):

   • Options include patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators, and nasal sprays.

   • These products reduce withdrawal symptoms and double your chances of quitting successfully.

3. Prescription Medication:

   • Medicines such as varenicline or bupropion can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

   • Your pharmacist can advise on suitability, usage, and side effects.

4. Quick Access:

   • You don’t always need a GP appointment; your local pharmacy can provide immediate support.

Benefits of Using a Pharmacy Service

• Convenience: Local pharmacies are easy to access and often have flexible hours.

• Expert Advice: Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can provide tailored guidance.

• Support: Regular follow-ups improve your chances of staying smoke-free.

• Confidential: You can discuss your plan privately with a professional in a supportive environment.

Tips for Success

• Set a quit date and stick to it.

• Identify your triggers and plan alternatives.

• Celebrate milestones—every smoke-free day counts.

• Seek support from friends, family, or online communities.

• Use pharmacy resources consistently—combining behavioural support with NRT or medication gives the best results.

Takeaway: Quitting smoking is challenging, but every step toward stopping is a step toward better health. Your local pharmacy can provide expert support, advice, and treatment options to make your quit journey as smooth as possible. Stop smoking today—you’ll be giving your body, mind, and loved ones a healthier future.

People who smoke are five times more likely to be hospitalised with flu