Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but you do not have to do it on willpower alone. The right quit aid can take the edge off cravings and make those first smoke-free days feel more manageable.
With free, friendly support from One You Surrey, you can talk through your options with a trained stop smoking advisor and choose a plan that works for you.
Understand Your Options
There is no one-size-fits-all way to quit. Some people find nicotine patches helpful, others prefer a vape, and some may benefit from stop smoking medication.
Your lifestyle, smoking habits and medical history all matter. Our advisors can explain the choices clearly, answer your questions and help you feel confident about your quit plan.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, gives you nicotine without the tar and carbon monoxide found in cigarette smoke. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms while you focus on breaking the habit of smoking. NRT is available for people aged 12 and over.
Types of NRT
NRT products work in different ways. Slow-acting options, like patches, give steady support through the day. Fast-acting options, like gum, lozenges, sprays and inhalators, can help when a craving suddenly hits. Many people get the best results by using both.
Slow-acting NRT: nicotine patches
Nicotine patches deliver a steady dose of nicotine through your skin. You can wear a 24-hour patch to help with cravings when you wake up, or a 16-hour patch while you are awake. Patches come in different strengths, and an advisor can help you choose the right one.
Fast-acting NRT
Nicotine gum and lozenges
Gum and lozenges deliver nicotine through the lining of your mouth and throat. They come in different strengths and can be useful when you need quick support with cravings.
Microtabs, inhalators and sprays
Microtabs dissolve under your tongue. Inhalators can be helpful if you miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. Mouth sprays and nasal sprays act quickly and may suit people who need fast relief from cravings.
E-cigarettes/ Vapes
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, can help adult smokers manage nicotine cravings without burning tobacco. They do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful parts of cigarette smoke.
Vaping is not risk-free, but it is less harmful than continuing to smoke. It is only recommended as a quit aid for people who smoke and is available through One You Surrey for adults aged 18 and over. It should not be used by non-smokers, children or young people.
Through One You Surrey, smokers may be offered vape kits in different strengths and flavours as part of their quit plan. Your advisor will talk you through what is available and how to use it safely.
In the UK, nicotine vaping products are regulated for safety and quality. One You Surrey vape kits are supplied by Totally Wicked.
Nicotine-free medication
Some stop smoking medicines do not contain nicotine. They work by reducing cravings, easing withdrawal symptoms or making smoking feel less rewarding.
Varenicline
Varenicline, formerly available as Champix, helps you quit by blocking nicotine’s effects in your brain.
Normally, nicotine gives you a feeling of pleasure, making you want to smoke more. Varenicline stops this, making smoking less enjoyable.
Cytisine
Cytisine is a medication that comes from plants. It works in a similar way to varenicline by reducing the effect of nicotine in the brain, helping to reduce cravings and make smoking less satisfying.
Bupropion
Bupropion, sometimes called Zyban, changes chemicals in the brain to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Stop smoking medication is available for adults aged 18 and over and is not suitable for everyone. Your advisor will ask a few screening questions and, if medication could be right for you, they can send a prescription request to your GP to review.
Which product is best?
The best product is the one that suits you. You might use one quit aid, or a combination, such as patches with gum or spray. Whatever you choose, you are more likely to succeed with friendly, regular support alongside it.
Get free stop smoking support in Surrey
If you live in Surrey and want to quit smoking, One You Surrey can help you get started. You will get free, non-judgemental support from a stop smoking mentor, plus advice on quit aids that could work for you.
Ready to take the first step? Start your journey to a healthier, smoke-free you with One You Surrey today.
