Pick your support
Everyone has a different way of kicking the habit.
Some of us go it alone, but it’s a fact you’re 4 times more likely to be successful with support.
There are loads of options available. This page explains your choices.
Patches
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Patches – are easy to use, you stick the patch on (often to your arm), and it releases nicotine slowly throughout the day. You can have a 24hr or 16hr patch at different strengths according to how much and how often you smoke.
- Gum – can be chewed when you have a craving for a cigarette. By chewing this gum, nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream.
- Lozenges work in the same way and are better than gum if you have dentures.
- Inhalator – this is shaped like a cigarette, and lets you inhale nicotine. As well as easing your withdrawal symptoms, it keeps your hands busy.
- Nosespray – this quickly delivers nicotine to your body through the lining of your nose.
Products only on prescription
- Zyban – this is a medicine that changes the way your body responds to nicotine – making it easier to give up. You usually take Zyban one or two weeks before you quit, and for up to eight weeks afterwards. It’s only available on prescription.
- Champix – this is another quitting medicine. It reduces the cravings you have for ciggies. You usually take it one or two weeks before you quit, and for up to three months afterwards. Again, it’s only available on prescription.
- If you get free prescriptions and would like NRT, you can order it from our Helpline 0800 198 5002 if you’ve registered with us.
- If you don’t get free prescriptions, you can get many NRT therapies from the pharmacy, supermarket or your GP.
- Don’t forget that you can prepay for your prescriptions online or at your local pharmacy and you can save a lot of money.
Community support
- Some people find that getting help from other people who are trying to quit can really help.
- You could join a Quit Stop Supporters Group. Contact 0151 630 8383
Here are a few things you could try:
- If you know a mate or family member who smokes, why not give up together?
Use our forums
Our online community is a great place to meet local people who are trying to quit, share tips and post updates of how you’re getting on. Join us on facebook.
Join one of our Supporters Groups
- Swap quitting tips for staying on track - the quirkiet the better!
- Support and encourage other people who are trying to quit.
- Give your views on our service and how to make it better.
- Help us out at events.