Smoking: Avoid it !!

Smoking causes numerous diseases and health problems, some fatal, among both smokers and non-smokers. For this reason, smoking is prohibited in a growing number of public places and a wide range of support services has been developed to help individuals quit smoking.

Avoiding a smoking habit

Many smokers say they started smoking before the age of 18, even though the law prevents anyone selling tobacco, cigarettes or cigarette papers to those under this age. Avoiding the temptation to smoke at an early age is therefore important to prevent you developing a habit.

Improving your health

In the UK one person dies from a smoking-related disease every four minutes. Smoking causes:
lung cancer (smoking causes over 80 per cent of all lung cancer deaths)
heart disease
bronchitis
strokes
stomach ulcers
leukaemia
gangrene
other cancers eg mouth and throat cancer

Using a support service

NHS Stop Smoking Services - smokers are four times more likely to quit by using NRT together with support from NHS Stop Smoking Services - compared with using willpower alone. Find your nearest service by:
visiting the NHS 'Giving up smoking' website (England and Wales only)
texting GIVE UP' and your full postcode to 88088
telephoning the NHS Smoking Helpline ()
asking your local GP practice, pharmacy or hospital
The Together programme is a government initiative, in England only, designed to help you quit smoking using a wide range of support materials.
The NHS Smoking Helpline () in England and Wales offers free practical advice about giving up smoking, as well as a free information pack, while in Scotland, Smokeline () provides free confidential advice and support
The 'Giving up smoking' website also offers people in England and Wales an Ask an expert service. The Smokeline website offers a similar private and confidential service in Scotland.
Giving up smoking website Opens new window
Find your nearest NHS Stop Smoking Service Opens new window
More about the Together programme (England) Opens new window
Email an NHS expert your questions (England and Wales) Opens new window