Free NHS Stop-Smoking Support
Stopping smoking is one of the most valuable changes you can make for your health, but nicotine dependence can make quitting difficult. You do not have to manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms and changes to your routine without support.
Right Medicine Pharmacy provides a free NHS Smoking Cessation Service designed to help you work towards becoming smoke-free. Our Accredited Stop Smoking Adviser can help you create a realistic quit plan, discuss challenges and provide suitable nicotine replacement therapy following an individual assessment.
The programme lasts for 12 weeks and includes ongoing pharmacy support to help you remain focused throughout your quit attempt.
Why Can Stopping Smoking Feel So Difficult?
Nicotine is an addictive substance found in tobacco. When you stop smoking, your body has to adjust to receiving less nicotine, which can cause temporary withdrawal symptoms.
These may include:
- Strong urges to smoke
- Irritability or restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Changes to sleep
- Feeling anxious or low
- An increased appetite
Smoking can also become closely connected to everyday routines. You may be accustomed to smoking after meals, during work breaks, while socialising or when experiencing stress. An effective quit plan therefore needs to address both nicotine withdrawal and the habits associated with smoking.
Withdrawal symptoms are often strongest during the early stages of quitting and should gradually become easier to manage. Your pharmacy adviser can help you prepare for them and identify practical strategies for handling your most common triggers.
What Happens When You Join the Programme?
Your first consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your smoking habits privately and without judgement. The adviser will ask relevant questions so that the support can be tailored to you.
This may include discussing:
- How much you currently smoke
- How soon you smoke after waking
- Situations that commonly trigger an urge to smoke
- Previous attempts to stop and what you learned from them
- Current medicines and medical conditions
- Any concerns about withdrawal symptoms or weight changes
- The support available from family, friends or colleagues
Together, you can develop a personalised quit plan and agree on an appropriate quit date. The adviser will also explain the nicotine replacement options that may be available and how to use the selected product correctly.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy, usually shortened to NRT, provides nicotine without the tar and other harmful chemicals contained in tobacco smoke. It can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you adjust to no longer smoking.
Depending on your assessment and availability, NRT options may include products such as:
- Nicotine patches
- Chewing gum
- Lozenges
- Inhalators
- Mouth sprays
- Nasal sprays
Different products work in different ways. A patch provides nicotine steadily, while products such as gum or sprays may be used to manage sudden cravings. Some people may be advised to use a combination of products, but this should be agreed with the stop-smoking adviser.
Do not use more than directed or share stop-smoking medication with another person. Tell the adviser about your health conditions, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and any other medicines you use so they can assess which option may be appropriate.
Further information about available treatments can be found on the NHS Inform stop-smoking medication page.
Support Throughout the 12-Week Programme
Stopping smoking is a process rather than a single appointment. During the 12-week programme, the pharmacy team can review your progress, discuss any difficulties and help you maintain motivation.
Your ongoing support may focus on:
- Managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Using nicotine replacement products correctly
- Recognising and avoiding personal smoking triggers
- Planning for social situations involving cigarettes
- Building new routines around work breaks and meals
- Responding constructively to a lapse
- Recognising the health and financial benefits of quitting
Be honest about how the quit attempt is progressing. If the original plan is not working well, the adviser may be able to discuss appropriate adjustments rather than allowing one difficult day to end the entire attempt.
Practical Ways to Prepare for Your Quit Date
Making a few changes before your chosen quit date can make it easier to begin. Consider removing cigarettes, tobacco, lighters and ashtrays from your home, car and workplace. Let people close to you know when you intend to stop and explain how they can support you.
It may also help to:
- Write down your main reasons for becoming smoke-free
- Identify the times and situations in which you usually smoke
- Plan an alternative activity for cigarette breaks
- Keep water or an appropriate sugar-free snack nearby
- Calculate how much money you could save
- Avoid situations that make smoking particularly tempting at first
Keep your reasons somewhere visible and review them when cravings occur. An urge to smoke will pass, even when it feels intense in the moment.
What If You Smoke During the Programme?
A lapse does not have to mean that your quit attempt has failed. Speak honestly with the pharmacy adviser about what happened and what triggered it. Understanding the situation can help you prepare a different response if the same trigger occurs again.
Avoid thinking that one cigarette means you must return to regular smoking. Resume your plan promptly and use the support available. Some people require more than one attempt before they stop completely, and seeking help again is worthwhile.
Benefits of Becoming Smoke-Free
Stopping smoking benefits your health at any age. Over time, becoming smoke-free can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and several cancers. It can also protect other people from exposure to second-hand smoke.
You may also notice practical benefits, such as spending less money on tobacco, no longer planning your day around smoking and improvements in taste and smell.
For additional advice and tools, visit NHS Inform’s local stop-smoking support page.
Confidential Support From Your Pharmacy
Stop-smoking consultations are handled professionally and confidentially. The aim is to provide practical, non-judgemental support based on your circumstances and goals.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 or managing a medical condition, contact the pharmacy so the team can confirm the most appropriate support. You can also visit our Health Advice page for information about obtaining general healthcare guidance from your local pharmacy.
Make This Your Time to Stop
You do not need to wait until quitting feels easy before taking the first step. Start with a private conversation, learn what support is available and create a plan that reflects your routines and smoking triggers.
Take the first step by requesting a stop-smoking appointment, or contact Right Medicine Pharmacy to ask how the free 12-week NHS programme works. You can also find your nearest pharmacy and speak to the team locally.