Deciding to stop smoking is not only one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make but also one of the best you will make for you and your health. Stopping smoking is a lifestyle change and we know how difficult a journey it can be. McPherson-Pharmacy can support you on that journey.
We understand how hard it is to quit and we make it our job to help you find the right way to stop and stay stopped. With our help and support, you are FOUR times more likely to succeed.
We offer FREE support under the NHS Smoking Cessation Support Scheme (for Scottish residents).
- A 12-week support programme;
- FREE treatment, including Champix (varenicline) and a range of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT);
- Friendly one to one weekly support and advice from our trained smoking advisor;
At your weekly chat with our smoking advisor we will carry out a carbon monoxide breath test as an additional progress marker, and the results electronically recorded in our smoking cessation support tool which helps us to support you through your quit attempt.
Why not call into to get more information or email stop.smoking@wdavidson.co.uk to begin your journey to a smoke-free future.
Write a list of the reasons
Why you want to stop, and keep them with you. Refer to them when tempted to light up.
Set a date for stopping
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.
Remove paraphernalia
Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and all cigarettes.
Tell everyone that you are giving up smoking
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.
Be prepared for some withdrawal symptoms
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.
Anticipate a cough
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.
Predict difficult situations
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.</li>
Take one day at a time
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.
Be positive
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.
Food
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.
Don’t despair if you fail
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.
More information on the benefits of quitting
The NHS Inform website is packed with helpful hints and tips and the benefits of stopping smoking as well as useful information on how to make your quit attempt a success. See here for more information from NHS Inform.
Are you using an e-cigarette?
There is now agreement based on current evidence that using an e-cigarette is less harmful than using tobacco, however, there is still a lot we don’t know about e-cigarettes. See here for more information from Health Scotland.