What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
Smoking cessation is one of the most beneficial steps an individual can take to improve their health, especially in those with pre-existing chronic conditions. The positive effects of quitting smoking can be seen within just a few days, which only increase the longer one remains smoke-free.
Within a few days, your sense of taste and smell will improve, and your risk of a heart attack will reduce within a day. Over the following weeks, you will notice that breathing becomes easier, and your heart rate & blood pressure will begin to normalise.
In the next few months following your decision to quit smoking, you will cough less and experience fewer episodes of shortness of breath. As a result, you may also find physical exercise becomes easier, and stress levels are likely to decrease. Similarly, you will have better dental and skin health, such as fresher breath and reduced smoking-related staining on teeth and fingers.
Likewise, you will notice lifestyle changes, such as financial savings from not buying cigarettes; no second-hand smoke exposure for family and friends, and freedom to plan your day without concern of smoke breaks.
In addition, the longer you remain smoke-free, your risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer is reduced significantly, and your life expectancy increases. Therefore, quitting smoking can be a truly rewarding journey.
How does smoking cessation treatment work?
Smoking is a challenging habit to quit due to the nicotine addiction that individuals develop. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco. It is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and reduced stress that you may feel while smoking. Therefore, targeting the nicotine addiction is the primary focus of smoking cessation.
Generally, quitting smoking involves gradually reducing your nicotine intake and using nicotine replacement therapy along with counselling to give you the best chance of success. Below are a couple of the most widely used options in the UK:
- Varenicline (Champix/Chantix)
Varenicline is a nicotine replacement therapy that targets the same areas of the brain as nicotine. This will slowly reduce your cravings for nicotine and block some of the pleasurable effects of smoking at the same time.
- Bupropion (Zyban)
Bupropion is a supportive medical option for smoking cessation that targets feel-good hormones like dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This option does not contain nicotine and can be used with nicotine replacement therapy.
When choosing which method to use, it is important to have a discussion with a healthcare professional to ensure the best chance of success. During your discussion, they will ask about your medical history; any contraindications and previous attempts to guide you to tailor the best plan for you.
Having support is ESSENTIAL
For most ex-smokers, using nicotine replacement therapy and having initial motivation initially was not enough for quitting for good. It is advisable to establish a strong support system when embarking on your journey to quit smoking. Your support may come from one or a combination of the following sources:
- Healthcare professionals: this can be your GP or pharmacists at e-Surgery, who can offer personalised advice and prescriptions for smoking cessation and nicotine replacement. They can also support you through regular check-ins to monitor your progress.
- NHS Stop Smoking services: free support programme that is available in-person, online, and over the phone. You can be referred by your GP or self-refer. The service also gives you access to one-on-one counselling, carbon monoxide monitoring, and group support group sessions. It is free and confidential.
- Friends and Family: although it may not be your initial consideration, having a buddy system with fellow quitters and seeking support from ex-smokers can improve your success rate. They can support you with the emotional aspects of your journey, celebrate your milestones and provide practical advice towards triggers.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking is a challenging yet highly rewarding journey that leads to significant health improvements, both immediately and in the long term. There are several effective treatment options available, including medications like Champix and Zyban, each of which works differently to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The UK offers comprehensive support through NHS Stop Smoking Services, providing free resources and assistance to help you quit. However, if you prefer a more discreet and convenient option, e-Surgery offers an online smoking cessation consultation service.
Remember, combining medication with support services gives you the best chance of successfully quitting smoking. Whether you opt for NHS services, online consultations, or a combination of both, there’s plenty of help available to support you through this important health decision.
Here at e-Surgery, you can consult with a trained healthcare professional through our ‘Ask-a-Pharmacist‘ service, who can guide you through your options and answer any questions you may have. Our team is always happy to help with your journey, so why not reach out today? Best of luck!
