How to get help

LOCAL NHS STOP SMOKING SERVICES
Find your local service here (external link).

ONLINE HELP FROM SMOKEFREE
Click here to start quit with expert help from the NHS (external link).

TOGETHER PROGRAMME
Run by the NHS, Together means you can choose your quit date and receive support by email, information packs, texts and phone calls when you need it. Click here for more information (external link).

PATCHES, GUMS AND MORE
Nicotine products like patches and gum are often called nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT for short. They help you to deal with nicotine withdrawal cravings, and double your chances of successfully going smokefree.

NRT works differently to cigarettes. It does not contain toxic chemicals like tar or carbon monoxide, and does not cause cancer.

You can get NRT on prescription, so being smokefree doesn't have to be expensive. NRT is suitable for most people, however you should check with your doctor if you are pregnant, have a heart or circulatory condition or if you take regular medication.

• Nicotine gum When you chew nicotine gum, the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth.
• Nicotine patches Nicotine patches work well for most regular smokers and can be worn round the clock (24 hour patches) or just during the day (16 hour patches).
• Microtabs These are small tablets containing nicotine which dissolve quickly under your tongue.
• Lozenges Lozenges are sucked slowly to release the nicotine and take about 20-30 minutes to dissolve.
• Nicotine nasal spray The spray delivers a swift and effective dose of nicotine through the lining of your nose.
• Inhalators Inhalators look like a plastic cigarette. The inhalator releases nicotine vapour which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. If you miss the 'hand to mouth' aspect of smoking, these may suit you.
• Zyban (Bupropion Hydrochloride) Zyban is a treatment which changes the way that your body responds to nicotine. You start taking Zyban a couple of weeks before you quit and then continue the treatment for a few weeks to help you through the withdrawal cravings. It's only available on prescription and is not available if you are pregnant.
• Champix A new stop smoking treatment called Champix is now available on prescription and guidance on its use is expected from NICE, the organisation that assesses new treatments, in July 2007.

Thanks to Smokefree for the information.