Stoptober: Top Tips on Quitting Smoking

While the New Year is traditionally the time to give up bad habits and start anew, why not try to make positive changes earlier? October marks the start of Stoptober: the campaign which aims to encourage smokers across the UK to quit cigarettes. Nowadays, most people are aware of the dangers associated with smoking, and whilst the number of smokers is declining, for some it’s an ingrained habit that can be very difficult to kick.

Alistair Murray, Clinical Director at Echo.co.uk, gives his tips on the best methods and tricks to help you stop smoking.

Find a Reason to Stop

Smoking is an addiction and so can be incredibly difficult to give up. Having a particular reason to quit can help to keep you motivated. Whether it’s to set an example for your children, to experience health benefits, or to save money, keep the reason in your mind whenever you have a craving. Some people even carry around visual reminders such as photos of loved ones to help them stay on track.

Get Support

Giving up is hard- even more so if you’re doing it by yourself. Whether you lean on the support of a loved one, quit with a friend or make use of the support services on the NHS, make sure that you have some help along the way. The NHS offers specialist support which includes counselling, prescription medication to manage cravings, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).   

Try Aids to Stop Smoking

There are aids that can help you manage the cravings while quitting. E-cigarettes have been lauded as an effective temporary replacement quitting, whilst NRT aids are available over the counter at pharmacies to help smokers struggling to give up. These can come in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers, or lozenges and will help relieve the physical withdrawal symptoms of nicotine addiction. The recommendation is to use any aids in conjunction with counselling.

Try Medication

You might also be prescribed medication to mitigate any withdrawal symptoms, which, in rare cases, can include depression or insomnia. The two medications prescribed are Champix tablets (varenicline) and Zyban tablets (bupropion). These are taken one to two weeks before you decide to quit, and treatment will usually last a couple of months.

Technology is available to help you to take and manage your prescribed medication. For example, Echo will send reminders to you to make sure you take your medication as prescribed and will remind you to order more when stocks are running low. Additional nudges to take medication will help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Avoid Triggers

Identify the times when you are most likely to want a cigarette, such as when you’re out drinking with friends. If you’re unable to avoid the situation, figure out an action plan or escape route in advance so you are prepared should you be tempted.

Some foods and drinks can also act as a trigger for those trying to quit. Some people find that certain foods, like meat, can make a cigarette taste better. Changing your diet or drinks can therefore help you avoid temptation and shake up your routine.

Find New Ways to Relax

Smoking is often used as a means to unwind and relax. If you are planning to quit, think about alternative activities that could help replace the habit,  including music, finding a new hobby or treating yourself to a massage. 

Exercise

Being active can help curb cravings, so taking up a new exercise or going out for more walks can help you along the road. Exercise will also help burn off the calories that you might worry you will gain if you quit!

Count the Coins you Save

It’s estimated that the average smoker spends £5.20 a day on cigarettes, which amounts to a total of over £150 a month (Source: Nicorette). Saving this money can help to motivate you each day. Create a savings jar so that you can physically see your progress. At the end of the month, treat yourself to something special or use the money towards a goal such as a holiday, new car or even a house deposit.

Clean your House

Once you’ve quit you don’t want to be reminded of smoking, so make sure to clean your clothes, home and car to get rid of any lingering smells of cigarette. That way you can start refreshed without coming across any unsavoury reminders.

Keep Trying

Not everyone succeeds first time round. In fact, many smokers will try to quit several times before they successfully kick the habit for good. Don’t get discouraged if you fail. Keep on trying, and with the right support one day you’ll succeed.

Think about it like “practice makes perfect”. If you’ve tried quitting before, you may already have learnt some things about how to make this attempt more successful – try to learn from the past!

Gracie Finch