How to quit smoking and get help in North Yorkshire

Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial decisions a person can make for their health, leading to improved lung function, reduced risk of cancer, and a lower likelihood of heart disease. However, the journey to becoming smoke-free can be challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous resources and strategies available to make the process easier, particularly through NHS support and tailored programmes available across the UK, including in North Yorkshire.

Why quit smoking?

Smoking is a leading cause of various life-threatening conditions, including heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. The act of smoking introduces harmful chemicals into the body, which can damage organs, impair lung capacity, and cause long-term diseases. Additionally, smoking can decrease the quality of life, affecting both physical and mental health. Quitting smoking can reverse some of the damage, reduce the risk of future health problems, and add years to life expectancy.

The benefits of quitting are immediate and long-lasting. Within just 20 minutes of stopping smoking, heart rate and blood pressure drop to normal levels. Over the next few weeks, circulation improves, breathing becomes easier, and the risk of heart attack or stroke starts to reduce. Within a year, the risk of coronary heart disease is halved, and after 10 years, the risk of lung cancer drops by half compared to someone who continues to smoke.

Available support and tools for quitting

The NHS provides a wide range of tools and support for individuals looking to quit smoking. One of the most accessible options is the NHS Quit Smoking App, which helps users track their progress, manage cravings, and celebrate milestones. The app provides a personalised quit plan, which includes advice on what to expect during the quit process and offers motivational support to stay smoke-free.

People can access free stop smoking services, which have been shown to significantly improve the chances of quitting successfully. These services offer expert advice, nicotine replacement therapy, and behavioural support to help individuals manage the challenges that arise when trying to quit smoking. There are also local quit smoking services across the country that can be accessed through the NHS website, offering both face-to-face and virtual consultations.

The national Living Well Stop Smoking Service can give you free confidential support to keep you motivated to quit. When you use our service, you will get one-to-one support from a friendly trained advisor who will create a 12 week personal quit plan designed with you, to work for you.

The Living Well Stop Smoking Service

Tailored support in North Yorkshire

In North Yorkshire, residents have access to specialised services designed to provide expert advice and personalised support throughout their quit-smoking journey. The Yorkshire Smoke-Free Service, offered by the NHS, is available to anyone in the region and offers free, confidential support to help individuals quit smoking for good. This service includes one-on-one consultations with trained specialists, nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches, gum, or lozenges), and regular check-ins to track progress.

For more information or to access support, people can contact the Living Well Smokefree team provided by North Yorkshire Council on 01609 797272 or via email at stop.smoking@northyorks.gov.uk.

Living Well Smokefree (North Yorkshire)

Additionally, North Yorkshire’s Healthy Weight and Lifestyle Service provides resources and support to help individuals manage their lifestyle choices, including quitting smoking. They offer personalised advice, goal-setting assistance, and support groups, making it easier for people to stay on track and receive encouragement throughout the quitting process.

For those who prefer a more digital approach, there are virtual resources available, such as online counselling and self-help tools that can be accessed from home. This makes quitting smoking more accessible for individuals with busy schedules or those who may feel uncomfortable attending in-person meetings.

Behavioural support

Aside from nicotine replacement therapies, behavioural support plays a crucial role in successfully quitting smoking. The NHS recommends a combination of counselling and therapy to help individuals cope with cravings and triggers. Support sessions can be tailored to specific needs, whether it involves group sessions, telephone support, or one-on-one consultations.

Therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy have been shown to be particularly effective in helping individuals understand and change their smoking habits. By identifying triggers, managing stress, and learning healthier coping strategies, individuals can significantly increase their chances of quitting and staying smoke-free.

Additional help

The NHS website provides a wealth of information on various methods of quitting smoking, including advice on using NRT, e-cigarettes, and prescription medications. Resources are also available to help individuals understand the mental and emotional aspects of quitting smoking, which can sometimes be just as challenging as the physical withdrawal symptoms.

In North Yorkshire, local GP surgeries, community centres, and health clinics can also provide support, often through partnerships with local smoking cessation services. These services are tailored to fit individual needs, ensuring that everyone can quit smoking in a way that suits their lifestyle.