Stop smoking aids: do they work?

Clinics and support groups
Specialist smokers' clinics, often using nicotine replacement products or Zyban, can improve your chances of stopping by up to four times. They are usually run over a period of about six weeks and take you through the different stages of stopping. Your GP can also put you in touch with local smoking cessation clinics, or you can ring Quitline on 0800 00 22 00.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement is used to wean you off nicotine by replacing the very high concentrations of nicotine you get from smoking with much lower doses delivered more slowly. It is a means of delivering nicotine without the harmful tar, gases and other elements of smoking.

NRT is the most thoroughly researched method for quitting and tests have shown that, used correctly, it will double your chance of success. If you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking, then you are more likely to benefit from NRT. NRT is much safer than smoking but if you have a medical condition, any health worries or are pregnant, it is important that you talk to your pharmacist/doctor first.

Patches (Nicotinell, Nicorette, Boots, NiQuitin CQ)
A nicotine skin patch looks like a sticking plaster and is applied to dry non-hairy skin, for example, on the upper arm. A patch lasts either 16 or 24 hours and they come in three strengths, delivering different amounts of nicotine, which is absorbed slowly through the skin. You are recommended to use them for 8-12 weeks.

The main side effects are itching or redness of the skin and this can be lessened by varying the position of the patch when you put a new one on. Some people may have problems with sleeping.

The usefulness of patches has been well-researched and they can double your chance of quitting. They are most helpful to people who smoke moderately (10-20) and regularly through the day.

Quitline: 0800 00 22 00