Stop Smoking
Thinking about giving up? It's never too late to give up smoking but it's really got to be your decision. If you're already thinking about quitting, read on to decide whether you're ready to have a go at giving up smoking.
Every smoker is different. Before you give up, it helps to think about your smoking addiction and what it is that has you reaching for the cigarettes. It will help you to stop smoking and make it easier to break the habit.
Top tips for giving up smoking
1. Make a plan. The first step is developing a plan of action that will work for you.
2. Write down why you want to stop. This may be simple, but writing it down can actually provide you with the motivation to have a go at stopping. Keep referring to your list to keep up the momentum when you have stopped.
3. Find out what support is available in your area. There are now specialist stop smoking services in every NHS Board area in Scotland providing group and individual support. Family and friends can also be a great source of support and motivation so tell them you plan to give up and ask them for their support. For details of your local service go to www.canstopsmoking.com or call Smokeline free on 0800 84 84 84.
4. Pick a day to quit and stick to it. Make sure this is a day where you can plan plenty to keep you occupied so that you are not sitting around thinking of cigarettes.
5. Try to change your routine at least for a short time until you get used to not smoking. If you drink you might also want to give alcohol a miss for a few days after your quit day until your resolve is strong enough to resist the association of drinking with smoking.
6. Think of distractions when tempted. Plan ahead so you feel confident. Things like taking a walk, having a glass of fresh orange juice, calling a friend can help alleviate the temptation.
7. Plan rewards. Plan small rewards at the end of day one, week one and so on. These will give you something to look forward to but make sure they do not sabotage your stop smoking plan.
8. Take it one day at a time. It helps to focus on the present and not try to worry about how you are going to live without cigarettes for the rest of your life.
9. Call Smokeline. Open between 12 noon and midnight 7 days per week, Smokeline can help you plan to stop smoking, help you during times when you feel desperate for a cigarette and generally help you to keep motivated. Call free on 0800 848484.
10. Think Positive. There will be times when you feel tired and tempted to give in. Remember why you are stopping, review your reasons and your plan, and think of how good you have done up to this point. If you remain determined, the temptation will pass.
Get in touch
Do you know that you're four times more likely to quit by attending a stop smoking session combined with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)? There are various stop smoking services available across Scotland: whether it be group, one-to-one or pharmacy support you'll get motivational support and advice to help you quit.
Smokeline is Scotland's national free stop smoking helpline, on 0800 84 84 84 (12midday and 12 midnight, seven days a week) and gives free advice and information to anyone who wants to stop smoking, or who wants to help a loved one to quit. Smokeline also provides information about the free stop smoking services provided by every NHS Health Board in Scotland.
You can also request stop smoking leaflets, a magazine and a DVD from Smokeline either by calling the helpline, or by texting 'QUIT' to 83434.
www.canstopsmoking.com has lots of information on how to give up and stay stopped, and can also help you find your local stop smoking service.
Comments
There are currently no comments for this article - why not add one using the form below