If you are still smoking then perhaps we might be able to convince you of the health and financial benefits of giving up?
| After … | Health Benefit … |
| 72 hours | Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase. |
| 1 month | Skin appearance improves, due to improved skin perfusion. |
| 3-9 months | Cough, wheezing, and breathing problems improve and lung function increases by up to 10%. |
| 1 year | Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker. |
| 10 years | Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. |
| 15 years | Risk of heart attack falls to the same level that it would be for someone who has never smoked. |
Your breath won’t smell any more of stale tobacco.
The smell of stale tobacco will also go from your clothes, hair, and home.
Foods and drinks taste and smell much better.
Finances improve. You will save well over £3,000 per year if you smoked 20 a day.
Better rates of insurance policies.
You are likely to feel good about yourself.
If you are interested in stopping smoking then we would be happy to support you through the process at the surgery. Alternatively there are other services available in our area which you can find via the smokefree website or free helpline.
Local stop smoking clinic via Mid Sussex wellbeing on 01444477191
Smokefree – information from the NHS
Free smoking helpline 0800 022 4 332 Web: www.smokefree.nhs.uk
For help and advice on stopping smoking, and for details of your local NHS Stop Smoking Service.
What is available to help me stop smoking in West Sussex
GP practices and pharmacies
You can get NHS stop smoking support at our surgery. You can also get stop smoking support at any of the pharmacies listed here.
If you would like to make your quit attempt at the surgery or at a participating pharmacy, either phone or drop in to book an appointment to talk to the trained advisor.
These stop smoking services are free. They will advise on suitable medications to help you quit.
It is a fact that you are four times more likely to be a successful quitter if you have professional support from an advisor, compared to trying alone.
Some common questions
How long does a course of treatment last?
Any treatment will be explained in detail by a health professional. However, courses of Nicotine replacement therapy or varenicline (Champix) generally last about twelve weeks, and Zyban nine weeks.
How much will advice and treatment cost?
NHS services are free. Any treatment (NRT, Zyban, Champix) is available on prescription so you only pay the prescription charge. If you don’t pay for your prescriptions then treatment is free.
Further tips and tools can be found on the Smokefree, NHS Choices and One You websites.