Supporting you to quit over 7 weeks
The stop smoking adviser will provide you with support to quit over 7 weeks. This can be in a one to one meeting (just you and the adviser) or in a group setting, whichever you choose.
You will meet with the adviser weekly for 7 weeks, and each session/appointment should only last about 15 to 20 minutes for one to one appointments, a bit longer in a group.
Find out about what happens in a Stop Smoking Support Group.
The first two sessions are usually spent planning and preparing to stop smoking with the advice and support of the adviser.
In week one your adviser will give you advice about the main forms of smoking cdessation medication (nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), Zyban and Champix) and discuss which product or combination of products could work for you. When you have chosen the product we will arrange for you to receive a prescription from your Doctor. An appointment with your Doctor is not usually necessary unless you have chosen Zyban or Champix in which case an appointment will be required in order to receive your prescription.
Also in week one and subsequent weeks your advisor will check your carbon monoxide levels using a monitor to enable them to measure the fall in carbon monoxide in your body when you stop smoking.
In week two your advisor will check that you are using or know how to use your product correctly and also it is an opportunity to discuss any problems or successes you have had over the previous week.
By week three you need to have set your date to stop smoking (known as your ‘quit date’) or you may even already be smoke free! Your adviser will talk to you about what to expect from withdrawal from cigarettes and help you to devise coping strategies to help you deal with cravings. You may also want to discuss any concerns you may have regarding weight gain and ask for advice about diet and exercise if you feel that this is an issue for you.
These last few sessions are aimed at helping you to stay stopped! Your adviser will discuss relapse and the importance of staying focused and motivated. They will also arrange for you to continue receiving your prescribed products from your Doctor.
In week five, six or seven (when you have been smoke free for four weeks) you will receive a certificate from your adviser in recognition of your great achievement of stopping smoking!
