Quit smoking: help is at hand
With the English smoking ban coming into effect from Saturday 1st July 2007, it's going to be a difficult time for smokers as they are banned from smoking in enclosed public places.
England will become the largest nation in the world by population to have a complete indoor ban including bars, pubs and restaurants and workplaces.
Some smokers may decide to quit altogether, while others will be forced to brave the conditions, smoking beneath the many smoking shelters that have been erected around the country.
It's worth quitting though… even if you smoke heavily now, it has been reported that within 10 to 15 years of giving up, your risk of developing lung cancer is only slightly greater than that of a non-smoker. And think of the money you'll save! A 20-a-day habit costs over £150 a month - almost £2000 a year!
So for those of you that are deciding to kick the habit, we've looked into the various options open to you to help you along the way...
Advice from your GP
Your GP should be the first person you speak to following your decision to quit smoking, especially if you are pregnant or at high risk of an illness caused by smoking. For immediate advice and leaflets on quitting and the effect it will have on your health, you can get lots of advice by calling the NHS Smoking Helpline on 08001690169.
Nicotine patches
For regular smokers, nicotine patches are a perfect substitute for cigarettes once you've given up. They are a once-a-day patch which you stick on your arm. They come in three strengths so you can gradually reduce the dose until you no longer crave the nicotine. A week's supply costs around £15, but compare this to a 20-a-day cig habit which costs over £35 a week! You should try your GP first though as the patches may be available on prescription.
Nicotine gum
Nicotine gum comes in two strengths – if you smoke more than 20-a-day the 2mg gum will suit. But you should buy the 4mg gum if you smoked over 20-a-day. 10-15 pieces of gum per day will be enough to curb your craving for at least the first three months after you give up. A 24-pack costs about £4.
Nicotine inhalers
These are plastic devices which are shaped like a cigarette and resemble the casing of a biro pen with a cartridge filled with nicotine inside. A starter pack of these will cost you £6.
Nicotine nasal spray
The strongest and therefore most expensive of the nicotine replacement therapies, nicotine nasal spray is recommended for those who smoke heavily from morning to night. As it is rapidly absorbed, the nasal spray delivers the nicotine "hit" much more quickly than other alternatives. One spray bottle costs around £21.
Microtab
The nicotine microtab dissolves in the mouth to absorb the nicotine quickly. They cost around £16 for a pack of 100 tablets, and should be taken for 12 weeks from the day you quit.
Extra help
Aside from the nicotine replacement therapy as detailed above, you can make some simple changes to help you in your quest to quit...
• Let people around you know you've quit – their support will help immensely.
• Try to keep busy by taking up a new hobby or joining a gym which will benefit your health.
• Avoid walking past shops where you used to buy cigarettes, and the temptation won't be as strong.
• If you miss having something in your mouth, try a toothpick or have a supply of carrot and celery sticks!
• Try herbal remedy St John's Wort - it helps counter cravings and depression.
