Stop smoking aids
At your first session, you’ll also discuss NHS-endorsed treatments available to help you stop smoking.
These are nicotine replacement therapy – including patches, gum, lozenges, microtabs, inhalators and mouth and nasal sprays – and the stop smoking tablets Champix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion).
“No one is forced to use treatment,” says Jennifer, “but we will encourage it because the results are better. All the treatments we recommend can double your chances of quitting.
“We can help you decide which type of treatment is right for you and how to use it. In some cases, we can directly supply you with the treatment before you leave, or we can arrange for you to receive a prescription or a voucher for it. In the case of nicotine replacement therapy, it often works out at least a third cheaper than buying it from a pharmacy.”
She points out that NHS advisers only provide evidence-based treatments. “We won’t suggest or recommend hypnosis or acupuncture as there’s not enough evidence they help you stop smoking.”
Read more about stop smoking treatments.