Find out more about using stop-smoking services, different types of medication and stop-smoking aids, and how to make a plan to quit smoking after a stroke.

On this page:

How can I get started?
Find a stop-smoking service near you
Managing cravings
What if I start smoking again?
Medication and stop-smoking aids
Staying healthy after quitting

Quitting smoking is not easy. But you’re much more likely to succeed if you have a little help. This can include using stop-smoking aids like nicotine replacement products or stop-smoking medication.

How can I get started?

  • Write down all the reasons you want to quit. This could include how passive smoking affects your family, or your reasons for wanting to stay healthy and active.
  • Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app to help you track your progress and get support.
  • Work out how much money you can save by quitting and what you could do with it. Try an online saving calculator.
  • Stay positive. Tell yourself that you’re going to do it!
  • Getting support and encouragement from friends and family can be helpful too.

Find a stop-smoking service near you

There are free stop-smoking services across the UK. Your GP can refer you for help or you can contact a local service yourself. Details are available from your GP surgery or pharmacist, or visit the NHS website.

Joining a stop-smoking service can be very helpful. These give you access to professional advisers and stop-smoking treatments on prescription. You’ll get individual advice and support to keep going.

You'll discuss with your adviser why you want to give up. If you decide you want to quit, you’ll work with your adviser to make an action plan and set a quit date. Your action plan can include a prescription for stop-smoking treatment, as well as practical advice and support for you.

Managing cravings

When you first stop smoking, your craving for nicotine will decrease gradually over a few weeks. But even after you have stopped smoking, cravings can come back at moments of stress, or at certain times and places where you used to smoke.  

A craving could last several minutes before it passes. Some practical tips to avoid smoking when you have a craving include:

  • Keep nicotine replacement therapy with you. If you know you’re going somewhere you’re likely to get cravings, try to take a fast-acting type such as a mouth spray.
  • Delay responding to the urge. It’s very intense, but it should reduce within a few minutes.
  • Make it harder to smoke. Avoid places where people smoke or where you could ask someone for a cigarette. Do not buy a packet or keep cigarettes at home.
  • Avoid triggers. If you tend to smoke after dinner or in your lunch break, try doing something different at these times. For instance, if you usually have a cigarette after dinner, go and wash the dishes straight away, or go into a room where you do not smoke. Changing your pattern of behaviour for a while could help you break the association with smoking.

What if I start smoking again?

Giving up smoking is a long-term change. It can take a few tries to stop for good. If you start smoking again, it can be a chance to learn more about the things that trigger your smoking and how to change them.

If you do start smoking again, visit the NHS Better Health website for useful advice and to use the personal quit plan tool.

Medication and stop-smoking aids

There are several different types of medicine and stop-smoking aids that can help you stop smoking. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or an advisor at your local stop smoking service about which type of treatment is most suitable for you. These may include:

  • Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) including patches, gum, lozenges, microtabs, inhalators, and nasal sprays.
  • Varenicline.
  • Zyban tablets (bupropion).
  • E-cigarettes.
  • Other stop-smoking techniques.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

Patches deliver a continuous supply of nicotine into the bloodstream. There are two kinds available: 16 hours for daytime use and 24 hours to be worn day and night for those with particularly strong cravings. They come in various strengths to reflect how much you smoke. Users should aim to reduce the level of nicotine gradually while quitting. 

Gum delivers bursts of nicotine through chewing. The strength of the gum and number of pieces you use will be determined by how much you have smoked. You chew this type of gum slowly, until the taste becomes stronger and hold it between your gums and cheek to allow the nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream, repeating this action when the taste fades. 

Lozenges work in a similar way to gum, providing short bursts of nicotine. You suck the lozenge until the taste becomes stronger and store it inside your cheek until it fades, starting again when this happens. They usually dissolve after 20–30 minutes. 

Nasal sprays can work for heavy smokers or people who get severe withdrawal symptoms. The nicotine is quickly absorbed into the blood vessels in the nose, relieving cravings quickly, although they can produce side effects such as nose and throat irritation, coughing and watery eyes.

Inhalators are made of plastic and shaped to look like cigarettes. Users suck on the tube to release a burst of nicotine. They are particularly suited to people who miss the physical action of smoking.

Microtabs are very small tablets that dissolve under your tongue and should not be chewed. The dosage depends on how much you have smoked. They may suit people who prefer a discreet aid to stopping smoking.

Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) after a stroke

NRT should only be started under medical supervision in someone who has had a very recent stroke (within the last four weeks). In most cases, NRT will still be prescribed, as the risks associated with continuing to smoke are usually greater than the risk of using NRT after a stroke.

Stop-smoking medication

Varenicline

Varenicline is a tablet that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, to help you quit and be less likely to relapse. You start taking it about a week before you plan to stop smoking. It is not suitable for people with some health conditions and cannot be used if you’re pregnant. It is only available on prescription, and treatment usually lasts for 12 weeks.

Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride)

Zyban is usually taken for a couple of months. It’s thought it alters brain chemistry in such a way that nicotine is less effective and the desire to smoke is reduced. It is not suitable for people with some health conditions and it’s only available on prescription.

E-cigarettes and vaping

Advisers at Stop Smoking Services can suggest trying vapes as part of your quitting plan, but they are not currently available on prescription. You can buy them from some pharmacies and other retailers.

Other stop-smoking techniques

Acupuncture and hypnotherapy may help some people, but have not been through any large-scale clinical trials and are not licensed as stop-smoking treatments on the NHS. If you wish to try one of these therapies, make sure you see a qualified practitioner.

Staying healthy after quitting smoking

Your emotional wellbeing and mood

Smoking can give you a feeling of relaxation because nicotine alters mood chemicals in the brain. The problem is you become dependent on nicotine to give you that feeling. When you quit, cravings can make you feel anxious and irritable at first. But after a while, your mood and anxiety levels should improve.

If you feel low mood or anxiety is affecting you, or if you take medication for anxiety or depression, contact your GP. They can help make sure you get the help and support you need. 

Stay active and eat well

Try to follow healthy diet advice, like having plenty of vegetables and fruit, and reducing salt and sugar. Have healthy snacks ready if you crave sweet food. Things like fresh fruit, nuts and vegetable sticks are good. If you’re eating more than usual, try to keep your portion sizes small. Keep using any stop-smoking treatment regularly, as cravings can make you eat more.

Being as active as possible will also help your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of a stroke. It’s also great for improving mood and sleep. Walking, swimming or indoor exercise like housework are all great ways of starting to move more.

Our getting moving after a stroke section has lots of great suggestions and videos to help you start being more active.

Resources available

This guide explains the link between smoking and stroke and offers some practical tips for quitting. It explains some of the stop-smoking methods you can try, like using stop-smoking services, nicotine replacement therapy and e-cigarettes. It also lists some organisations that can help you on your journey to quitting. 

To view all our resources, visit our resources area.

Written and edited by
Jenny Simpson , Jonathan Jones , Gemma Harris