A Comprehensive Guide to Quitting Smoking in Wales
Smoking is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the UK. 13.3% of adults in the UK who were aged 18 years and above smoked cigarettes in 2021. This was roughly 6.6 million people of the entire population. One of the most important things you can do for your well-being and health is to stop smoking. Keep reading to learn how you can effectively stop smoking with help from our pharmacy in Wales.
What’s the importance of quitting smoking for your health and well-being?
Here are a few advantages of giving up smoking:
Reduced risk of cancer
Smoking increases the risk of developing several cancers, including lung, bladder, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Your chance of getting these cancers can be dramatically lowered by quitting smoking.
Lowered risk of heart disease
Smoking can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke by damaging your blood vessels and heart. Giving up smoking can reduce your risk of developing these diseases and enhance your cardiovascular health.
Better mental health
Smoking is frequently linked to sadness, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Stopping smoking can lift your spirits and lower your risk of contracting these diseases.
How to stop smoking in Wales?
There are a variety of treatments available in stores, pharmacies, and on prescription to assist you to kick the habit and minimise withdrawal symptoms. Using them in conjunction with help from a stop-smoking service maximises their effectiveness.
The following is a list of some of the most effective ones:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT belongs to a class of medications that works by giving the body nicotine in a way that is less harmful than smoking. Therefore, it lowers cravings and withdrawal symptoms. NRT includes nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays.
Prescription Medications
Many prescription medicines can help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to quitting smoking.
Cognitive Therapy
With the assistance of a counsellor or therapist, individuals participating in cognitive or behavioural therapy find methods to stop smoking. They include establishing goals, staying away from triggers, and managing stress.
Quitting Programmes
Programmes like helplines, smoke-free areas, and online resources can provide guidance and support throughout the quitting process.
E-cigarettes
An electronic cigarette is a device that vaporises nicotine. Because the vapour doesn't include tar or carbon monoxide, you can breathe in nicotine while avoiding the majority of the negative effects of smoking. That being said, this method of "smoking" is habit-forming, and you should speak to us about this method if you want to pursue it.
Challenges of staying smoke-free and how to overcome them
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it is possible with the right support. Some of the common challenges include withdrawal symptoms, nicotine cravings, stress, and social pressure.
Use relaxation techniques or physical activity to manage withdrawal symptoms, nicotine replacement therapy or other medications to reduce nicotine cravings, stress-reducing activities or professional assistance to reduce stress, and find a support group or a non-smoking community to manage social pressure.
It is important to remember that quitting smoking is a journey and that setbacks can occur. It is important to remain determined and persistent, as well as to ask for assistance and support when necessary. You can always get more help and guidance from Hopwoods Pharmacy with our NHS stop smoking services.
Get help to stop smoking in Wales at Hopwoods Pharmacy
Visit or book your appointment with Hopwoods Pharmacy today to sign up for our Stop Smoking Service. Start your smoke-free journey with us!
This blog post was written on behalf of Hopwoods Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.