Help with stopping smoking

Everyone knows it's very difficult for most smokers to stop. We now offer a special service to give smokers a better chance of success when they are ready to quit.

If you are not sure if you should stop, see our section on smoking in "keeping healthy".

If you are thinking about stopping, why not make an appointment to see our special nurses who have had training to help you stop.

Everyone is offered five weekly sessions.

1. Initial assessment, tips on giving up, information about nicotine replacement and Zyban, keeping a smokers diary, devising an action plan, and setting a quit date. Discussion of withdrawal effects of nicotine. Check blood pressure and weight.
   
2. Reviewing the diary, and previous attempts at stopping. Discussion of coping strategies
    
3. Reviewing the past week without cigarettes and discussing any problems encountered. Talking about weight gain and increasing exercise levels.
   
4. Reviewing the past week again and considering stress control Think about exercise again.
   
5. Reviewing the past week and discuss "going solo". Planning how to cope with future temptation to start again. "Lifelines" are planned and further follow up arranged. Questionnaire completed.

At each attendance your breath is monitored for carbon monoxide, which is produced by smoking.

After you have succeeded in stopping, arrangements are made so that you can get support if you are tempted to start again.

See also

• our page with details of helplines
• link to an NHS website that offers helpful hint for stopping smoking

"Staying Stopped" leaflet by GASP