Smoking Cessation

Why Quit Smoking?

You may have tried to quit smoking a number of times before but for most people it does take a number of attempts before they are successful in beating the habit. Here in Rosslare Pharmacy we can tailor a quit plan to suit your smoking habits. Going “cold turkey” is not for everyone and some people need the help of NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy). We stock a range of these products from patches to lozenges just ask in the pharmacy and we can help get you started.

Lets face it , if you smoke you probably enjoy it. You have a daily routine of when you will have your first cigarette right down to the last one at night. Changing that habit and that ‘want’ or ‘need’ is the hardest thing a smoker will do. You have to WANT to quit smoking. Whether that be for the important benefits to your health or the improved quality of your bank balance, as lets face it, its not a cheap habit to have.

We can tell you all the statistics, one in every two smokers will die from a smoking related illness. Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer and chronic respiratory diseases and is also a significant cause of heart disease, but again these may not really resinate with you unless you have been directly affected.

Alot of people have the ” It won’t happen to me” mind frame unfortunately.

Once you have stopped smoking there is no doubt that you will feel better both physically and mentally. However, this wont be straight away. You will battle with the cravings, which can he helped using NRT  , you will battle with your inner voice. With the help of others you CAN become a non- smoker.

 

Types of NRT – Nicotine Replacement Therapies

There are a number of products available to people who wish to stop smoking.

  • Patches
  • Gum
  • Lozenges
  • Inhalers
  • Mouth Sprays

Speak to ourselves or your GP to determine which product is right for you.

How to get NRT

You can buy NRT over the counter at your local pharmacy. You can also get it prescribed by your GP, and if you have a medical card some of the products are available on the medical card scheme.

In some circumstances NRT may not be suitablet. Talk to your GP if you are :

  • Under 18
  • Pregnant
  • Have recently had a heart attack

 

Benefits of stopping smoking

  • After 20 minutes your blood pressure and pulse return to normal
  • After 24 hours your lungs start to clear
  • After 2 days your body is nicotine free and your sense of taste and smell improve
  • After 3 days you can breath more easily and your energy increases
  • Within 2-3 months your lung capacity can increase by up to 30%
  • Within 1 year your chance of a heat attack drops by half and after 10 years the risk drops to almost that of a non smoker
  • Within 5 years the risk of smoking related cancers is greatly reduced

These are just some of the benefits and they begin immediately. For more information visit: http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/hl/living/copd/clinical/Smoking_Cessation_Advice.html

Rosslare Pharmacy