If you want help to stop smoking, you can:
If you’re pregnant, you can also call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0800 1699 169.
How your GP or pharmacist can help you stop smoking
Your GP can give you details of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service (see below).
Your GP can also prescribe NRT. NRT comes in many forms, including:
- patches
- chewing gum
- inhalators
- tablets and lozenges
- nasal sprays
You can also buy NRT directly from your pharmacist.
There’s no evidence that one type of NRT is more effective than another, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Some people should get advice from a healthcare professional before using NRT. For more information, see Who can use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)?
Your GP may prescribe medication to help you quit. Two types of medicine are currently license d to help people give up smoking:
Find out more about stop-smoking treatments. You can also find more information about bupropion and varenicline in the Medicines A-Z.
NHS Stop Smoking Services
The NHS offers free local support to help you stop smoking. If you use local NHS Stop Smoking Services along with treatments such as patches or gum, studies have shown that you’re up to four times more likely to stop smoking successfully.
Trained NHS advisers provide stop-smoking advice to groups or individuals. An adviser will help put your stop-smoking plan into action and can give you expert advice on treatments, such as NRT.
Go to the NHS Smokefree website to find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.
Read the answers to more questions about stopping smoking.
Further information:
