How can I build a practical plan to stop smoking?
Combining behavioural support with suitable treatment improves quitting success. Set a date and a plan for cravings, and discuss nicotine replacement or medicines with a professional. Choice depends on health, other medicines and pregnancy; a setback does not make quitting impossible.
Details
Identify your triggers
Record smoking linked to coffee, stress or social situations, and choose a practical alternative for each. Tell a supportive person your quit date, remove cigarettes and lighters, and decide what to do during a craving rather than relying on willpower alone.
Choose treatment appropriately
Options include nicotine replacement and prescription medicines such as varenicline or bupropion, depending on suitability and availability. A planned combination of a patch and a faster-acting replacement may help. Do not start a friend’s medicine; contraindications, interactions, doses and durations vary.
Use follow-up to adjust the plan
Arrange early contact to review cravings, side effects and adherence. If a cigarette is smoked, identify the trigger and return to the plan rather than declaring the attempt over. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and younger age require specific advice about suitable support and treatment.
Related reading: What are the harms of secondhand smoke, and how can children be protected?.