How does smoking cessation programme work?

An adviser first discusses how much you smoke, when cravings appear, previous attempts to quit and any medicines or health conditions that may affect your plan. Together, you choose a quit date or a gradual reduction approach. Sessions then focus on recognising triggers, changing routines, handling stress and preparing for moments when you may want a cigarette.

Nicotine replacement, such as a patch, may reduce withdrawal symptoms without exposing you to tobacco smoke. Other prescribed options may also be considered. Support can be individual or in a group, and follow-up helps adjust the plan when cravings, slips or difficult situations arise. Stopping smoking can also support care for COPD and peripheral arterial disease.

Write down the cigarettes you find hardest to give up, remove tobacco products from your usual spaces and tell supportive people your plan. Keep water, sugar-free gum or another distraction available for a craving. Use medicines exactly as advised and mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, regular medicines or a history of mood changes before treatment is selected.

Arrange a clinical review if you have a persistent cough, worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood or a sudden change in exercise tolerance. These symptoms need assessment rather than being assumed to be withdrawal. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion or crushing chest pain.

Ask which quit approach fits your smoking pattern, whether a nicotine replacement patch is suitable, how to manage cravings and what to do after a lapse. You can also ask whether breathing tests such as spirometry are appropriate if you have ongoing cough or breathlessness.