NHS SCOTLAND STOP SMOKING SERVICE
Are you ready to quit?
If you’re a smoker who wants to quit but feels you need help in overcoming the habit, consider our FREE NHS Stop Smoking Service. We offer guidance and support tailored to help you embark on a smoke-free journey.
Free Advice and Support
Our staff are trained to help you initially break the smoking habit, and with their expert assistance and ongoing advice, support you along the way.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
To help you break your nicotine addiction, we may recommend Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Available in various forms, including patches and gum, it is essential to choose the right option to suit your individual needs.
Statistics show that seeking professional advice and support, combined with NRT, increases the chances of quitting fourfold compared to relying solely on willpower.
How the Service Works
During the first consultation, we will agree on a quit date and work out the best way for you to quit, providing more details about the program. On or before your agreed date, visit the pharmacy for a consultation and, if recommended, pick up your first week’s supply of NRT. After that, you can return to the pharmacy every week for up to 12 weeks to pick up your supply of NRT and receive continued support on your journey to a smoke-free life.
Remote consultation
We can provide this service remotely. Please complete this form. We will carry out a telephone or video consultation to discuss the right support for you. You will need to pop into the pharmacy to pick up recommended product(s).
Request Remote ConsultationOur Top Tips
Why you want to stop, and keep them with you. Refer to them when tempted to light up.
Then stop completely. Some people prefer the idea of cutting down gradually. However, research has shown that if you smoke fewer cigarettes than usual, you are likely to smoke more of each cigarette, and nicotine levels remain nearly the same.
Friends and family often give support and may help you. Smoking by others in the household makes giving up harder. A team effort may be easier than going it alone.
Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and all cigarettes.
When you stop smoking, you are likely to get symptoms which may include: nausea (feeling sick), headaches, anxiety, irritability, craving, and just feeling awful. These symptoms are caused by the lack of nicotine that your body has been used to. They tend to peak after 12-24 hours, and then gradually ease over 2-4 weeks.
It is normal for a smoker’s cough to get worse when you stop smoking (as the airways “come back to life”). Many people say that this makes them feel worse for a while after stopping smoking and makes them tempted to restart smoking. Resist this temptation! The cough usually gradually eases.
In particular, drinking alcohol is often associated with failing in an attempt to stop smoking. Also, if drinking tea and coffee are difficult times, try drinking mainly fruit juice and plenty of water instead.
Mark off each successful day on a calendar – download our calendar here. Look at it when you feel tempted to smoke, and tell yourself that you don’t want to start all over again.
You can tell people that you don’t smoke. You will smell better. After a few weeks you should feel better, taste your food more, and cough less. You will have more money. Perhaps put away the money, which you would have spent on cigarettes, for treats.
Some people worry about gaining weight when they give up smoking, as the appetite may improve. Anticipate an increase in appetite, and try not to increase fatty or sugary foods as snacks. Try sugar-free gum and fruit instead.
Examine the reasons why you felt it was more difficult at that particular time. It will make you stronger next time. On average, people who eventually stop smoking have made 3 or 4 previous attempts.
