National No Smoking Day (Wednesday 8 March) is often a time when people who smoke decide to make a dedicated decision to give up and stub it out for good.
NHS Lanarkshire is raising awareness of the event by encouraging residents who smoke to contact its free Quit Your Way service. There they’ll find a variety of support available to meet specific needs for each person, including:
- 1-1 telephone or video calls
- Local pharmacy support
- Nicotine replacement therapy delivered to people’s homes
- Personalised quit plans
There are many benefits of quitting smoking, including better health and helping with financial worries, especially for those who may be struggling during the cost of living crisis.
Quitting can also improve mental health, as some may also believe smoking is helping them cope through difficult times, when it actually has the opposite effect and makes them feel worse.
One Lanarkshire resident, who quit smoking with the NHS Lanarkshire Quit Your Way service, said: “I quit smoking for two reasons, my health and the money it was costing. I had previously stopped smoking for around 15 years, however in 2020 my Mum was seriously ill and passed away. It was such a stressful time that I started smoking again, and before I knew it I was smoking 20 cigarettes per day. I was spending £300 a month on cigarettes, and with the way things are going with bills etc. increasing, I couldn’t do it anymore.
“This time around it hasn’t been easy to stop. My adviser has been a fantastic support and gave me lots of hints and tips, I was using the patches and gum to manage withdrawals but I’m only using the gum now and it’s getting easier.
“I’ve been putting this cash by in a tin that I would spend on cigarettes. My Grandson wanted a football strip which I thought was too much money to buy him, but after my first 10 days of quitting smoking, I was able to buy it for him. I’m also keeping the money I’m saving for other bills. That was just a part of it though, my health was the main reason and I now have more energy and my house doesn’t smell of smoke anymore.”
Shirley Mitchell, Senior Health Improvement Manager – Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, commented: “When it comes to quitting smoking, everyone is different, but giving up is not something people have to do on their own
“During this challenging time when people may be struggling more financially and mentally, some might believe smoking helps them relax. However, that relaxed feeling only lasts a short time before they start to feel anxious, tired and depressed. That can then lead to smoking more – it’s a vicious circle.
“I’m sure raising further awareness of No Smoking Day will encourage people thinking of quitting smoking to give it a go. Our service is here to support all Lanarkshire residents, even if they have already tried before, as we understand that nicotine is a powerful and addictive substance.”
To find out about the stop smoking services and to access the best support to quit in your area call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 between Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm or visit QuitYourWay.scot.
You can now use our ‘Click to be Contacted’ service, select your local or nearest area, leave your name, preferred contact method, and we will be in touch with you.
You can also visit your local Community Pharmacy for FREE stop smoking support. Find your nearest community pharmacy.
