There is easily accessible information on quitting tips, support mechanisms, and the health, financial and cosmetic benefits of quitting. Quitline is a good place to start.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is under-utilised. It is easy to access, and even without a script it is cheaper than smoking.
NRT is available in several forms, patches and gums being most familiar. It has few contra-indications and side effects (skin reactions and vivid dreams are fairly common with patches).
Patches can be used as a harm-minimisation strategy. Wearing a patch every day reduces the urge to smoke, and the urge to inhale so deeply. The ongoing use of patches causes a down-regulation of nicotine receptors, so that cravings decline. This can pave the way for eventually quitting, and reduce the stress of trying.
Addiction to nicotine will cause many people to rationalise reasons for continuing to smoke. Quitting is hard and not succeeding does not equate to failure – just think of it as a practice run. Do not feel embarrassed to tell your doctor or friends if you relapse – to err is human.
