World No Tobacco Day 2025 takes place tomorrow on Saturday 31 May. This annual event, led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), raises awareness of the harms caused by tobacco.
Breaking the addiction of smoking isn’t easy. It often takes multiple attempts before someone successfully quits for good. But the more times people try, the better their chances of success.
The health benefits of quitting smoking start after as little as 20 minutes, meaning it’s never too late to quit. Here’s what to expect:
- After 20 minutes – your pulse rate will already be returning to normal
- After 8 hours – Carbon monoxide and oxygen levels in blood start returning to normal (similar to those who have never smoked)
- After 48 hours – Sense of taste and smell improves
- After 72 hours – energy levels can start to increase
- Between 2-12 weeks – Less coughing and shortness of breath
- Between 3-9 months – Any coughs, wheezing of breathing problems start to improve
- After 1 year – Risks of coronary heart disease (CHD) are cut by half
NHS Lanarkshire’s Quit Your Way team is there for anyone who is thinking of quitting smoking by offering 12-weeks of free support, as well as posting nicotine replacement products to all Lanarkshire residents at their home, including patients and NHS Lanarkshire staff.
In addition, NHS Lanarkshire staff can access the Smoke Free app, free for extra support too. Find out more.
Karen Mather, Team Lead – Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Every cigarette not smoked is a step toward better health. The timeline of health improvements start almost immediately, and knowing that can be a huge motivator for people.
“Our team are here to help anyone ready to take that first step—whether it’s their first attempt or their fifth. We know people can still quit for good and start enjoying all the benefits of being someone who doesn’t smoke.”
Contact Quit Your Way
- Call the Quit Your Way helpline service on 0800 84 84 84 between Monday and Friday from 9am until 5pm
- Visit QuitYourWay.scot.
- 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.
- Find your nearest community pharmacy.
Refer your patients to Quit Your Way
Visit the Quit Your Way dedicated FirstPort page for acute referrers, or phone our local helpline on 01698 754 888, which is available Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm.
The local Lanarkshire helpline is where you can get assistance with queries in regards to stopping smoking, including:
- Taking referrals
- Provide behavioural support to clients who are motivated to stop smoking (as required)
- Advise on pharmacotherapy products available to support quitting
