Stop Smoking Service at Pharmacies
Free NHS stop smoking support at your local pharmacy. Expert advice, nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing support to help you quit smoking successfully.
Find Stop Smoking PharmacyNHS Pharmacy Stop Smoking Service
Most UK pharmacies offer free NHS stop smoking services providing structured support over 12 weeks to help you quit. The service combines behavioral support with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or prescription medications. Studies show you're up to 4 times more likely to quit successfully with pharmacy support compared to going it alone. Services are confidential, non-judgmental, and tailored to your individual needs and smoking habits.
What the Service Includes
Your stop smoking journey with pharmacy support includes an initial consultation to discuss your smoking history, triggers, and motivation; creating a personalized quit plan with a quit date; free or discounted nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators); prescription medications if appropriate (varenicline/Champix); regular follow-up appointments for support and encouragement; carbon monoxide breath testing to track progress; behavioral strategies and coping techniques; and support managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Options
Nicotine Patches
Provide steady nicotine throughout the day. Available in 16-hour or 24-hour formulations. Different strengths for heavy, moderate, or light smokers. Easy to use - simply apply to skin each morning.
Nicotine Gum, Lozenges & Microtabs
Short-acting products for immediate craving relief. Use when you feel the urge to smoke. Available in different strengths and flavors. Helpful for managing sudden cravings and hand-to-mouth habit.
Inhalators & Nasal Spray
Mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. Inhalators provide fast-acting relief. Nasal spray gives the quickest nicotine delivery. Particularly helpful for heavy smokers or those who find the smoking action comforting.
Prescription Medications
For some people, prescription medications work better than NRT alone. Varenicline (Champix) is the most effective stop smoking medication, reducing cravings and making smoking less satisfying. It's typically prescribed for 12 weeks and can double your chances of quitting successfully. Many pharmacy stop smoking services can arrange varenicline prescriptions through their service. Bupropion (Zyban) is an alternative for people who can't use varenicline. Your pharmacist will discuss whether prescription medication might be right for you.
The 12-Week Support Program
Week 1: Set your quit date, start NRT/medication, create coping strategies. Weeks 2-4: Regular check-ins (usually weekly), discuss challenges, adjust NRT if needed, carbon monoxide testing. Weeks 5-8: Fortnightly support, managing triggers and difficult situations, preventing relapse. Weeks 9-12: Continue reducing smoking dependence, planning for long-term success, gradual reduction of NRT. Throughout the program, your pharmacist provides motivation, celebrates milestones, and helps you overcome setbacks.
Cost and Eligibility
NHS stop smoking services are free to everyone who smokes and wants to quit. NRT products are provided free in some areas or at reduced prescription cost (currently £9.90 per item or free if you're exempt). Varenicline is available on NHS prescription. Even if you pay for prescriptions, the service itself (consultations, support, carbon monoxide testing) is free. Private stop smoking support is also available if you prefer not to use NHS services. The investment is worthwhile - quitting saves the average 20-a-day smoker over £3,000 per year.
Ready to Quit Smoking?
Find pharmacies offering free NHS stop smoking services and support near you
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