Types of help Available NHS Stop Smoking Services Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Other Pharmacological Treatments (non nicotine) Alternative Therapies

NHS Stop Smoking Services What Does it do? Free Local Help for anyone who wants to stop smoking Evidence is that you are far more likely to stop smoking using the NHS stop smoking service Bromley Offers Free Group support, individual support and advice on NRT and Zyban and Champix Times of Sessions Mon – Fri : 9am to 5pm

NHS Stop Smoking Services Example of what a group course could be like (this may vary): Week 1: Learn about the programme, meet the group, discuss best ways to stop. Week2: Find out more about stop smoking aids you may want to use and prepare a quit date. Week 3: Quit Day! Get your quitting aids prescribed, make sure you know how to use them. Use group support to share tips and tactics Weeks 4 – 6: share experiences on quitting, group support Week 7: Celebrating staying smoke free, discuss tactics to stay on track

NHS Stop Smoking Services How to access the Service Use self Referral forms you can get from your GP, Dental Surgeries or Hospitals Free Phone

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) NRT is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking NRT stops or reduces symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Aids you to stop smoking by minimising the withdrawal symptoms. NRT does not “Make” you stop. You still need willpower. NRTs make it twice as likely to succeed. However a combination of NRT and support / counselling gives the best chance of success Combining different methods of NRT is not recommended. Consult your GP Dose of nicotine in NRT is less than in cigarettes and has a slower effect. You still may feels some withdrawal symptoms NRT obtained through your GP or NHS stopping smoking services

Types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Nicotine Gum Nicotine Patches Nicotine Inhaler Nicotine tablets/lozenges Nicotine nasal spray

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Available in 2mg and 4mg To releases nicotine chew gum slowly until the taste is strong Then rest on cheek to allow nicotine to be absorbed in blood stream. After 2 to 3 months use of gum should be reduced. Some people do not like the taste of the gum Nicotine Gum

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Stuck on skin releases nicotine into the bloodstream. Patches can last 16 hours or 24 Hours 24 Hour patch may disturb sleep Some people have skin irritation reactions to patch Slow release of nicotine means no high and low levels as in smoking or nicotine gum Nicotine Patches

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Resembles a cigarette. Nicotine cartridges are inserted into it (lasts up to 3x20 minute sessions) Inhaled similar to smoking. Aim is gradually reduce the amount of cartridges used each week Good for people who miss the hand to mouth habit of smoking Nicotine Inhalers

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) These dissolve under the tongue and are not swallowed Nicotine Absorbed through the mouth into the blood stream Easy to Use Nicotine Tablets / Lozenges

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Rapidly absorbed into blood stream from the nose. Closely mimics the kind of nicotine high you get from smoking Helps relieves sudden surges of craving 1 in 3 users get nose and throat irritations, Can get eyes watering, sneezing Don’t use whilst driving Nicotine Nasal Sprays

Other Pharmacological Treatments Changes the way your body reacts to nicotine Start taking Zyban a couple of weeks before quitting and continue a few weeks to help you through withdrawal cravings Zyban reacts with anti-depressant medication such as citilopram (has similar anti-depressant affect) Side effects could be: headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, tinnitus and sweating Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride)

Other Pharmacological Treatments Reduces the effects you feel when you do not have a cigarette Can also reduce the enjoyment of having a cigarette Can alter the ay other drugs may work such as Insulin, Waferine and Theophynine Can have side effects such as headaches, nausea, increased appetite, dry mouth. No evidence that Champuix reacts with other medication. However may increase the symptoms of side effects of medication like citilopram Champix (Varenicline)

Alternative Therapies Hypnotherapy: helps you to relax when to desire to smoke or increase your resolve to give up smoking. Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese therapy. Uses needles to stimulate energy points in the body. Aroma Therapy: claims to help reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal such as anger and frustration through relaxation using the burning of essential oils. Herbalism: use of herbs to reduce the symptoms of stopping smoking. Massage: helps you relax and take your mind off smoking. Not clinically proven that it helps but a lot of people find it helpful

Alternative Therapies Council for Hypnotherapy: Call or log onto British Acupuncture Online: Call or log onto British Complementary Medicine Association: Call or log onto

What do you remember?

Sources of information Support is available from, Bromley For more information ring: These websites may also help: or call the NHS Smoking Helpline on Mind also has a section on stopping smoking at: