Giving up smoking: FAQs

Q. I am craving just one cigarette, will it do any harm?
A. You are administering a drug that will reach your brain within seven seconds and is as addictive as heroin. Just one always leads to another and another.

Q. Does NRT work?
A. It can help but it's not the only answer for every person. Clinical trials demonstrate that it can double your chances of success but it is not a magic wand and you do need to be properly motivated.

Q. Will it matter if I keep a packet of cigarettes 'just in case'?
A. If you have cigarettes at hand, you are only ever two seconds away from relapsing. If you have to go out to buy them it will give you a chance to let the craving pass and think about what you are doing.

Q. I want to give up but I can't do it, why?
A. Have you tried? Lots of people need more than one attempt and they learn something each time to make their resolve stronger. Anyone can quit if they really want to. It takes inspiration, motivation and support.

Q. I am addicted, how can I stop?
A. Most smokers feel addicted to nicotine, including those who have given up. Try quitting for an entire day and see what happens. Then fill in the pros and cons chart and chat through your feelings with Quitline 0800 00 22 00.

Q. Why do I feel very low, always tearful and depressed?
A. It sounds as if you are not getting enough support. Some smokers see stopping as a loss; you need to think how you can replace that loss with something positive. Tell family and friends that you need extra help at the moment to help you quit or ring Quitline 0800 00 22 00 and tell them how you are feeling.

Q. Do hypnotherapy and acupuncture work?
A. Both methods appear to work for some people, but the results of research are not clear, so overall their effectiveness remains unproven.

Q. Isn't it as bad to be overweight as to be a smoker?
A. No, smokers suffer from many diseases and about half of all smokers die as a result of smoking. The risks to your health of being a little overweight are small compared to the risk of smoking. Once you have cracked the smoking you will have more energy to tackle any weight gain. Have a look at Stop Smoking Without Gaining Weight

Taken from www.quit.org.uk