Stop Smoking at Hodgson Pharmacy
At Hodgson Pharmacy, we offer a professional Smoking Cessation Service in Longfield, Dartford, and Gravesend to help you successfully quit smoking. Our NHS-funded stop smoking service provides expert support, personalised plans, and effective treatments to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Ready to Quit Smoking? We Can Help
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, but it can be challenging. The good news is that you do not have to do it alone.
If you are ready to take the first step, book a consultation today and start your journey towards a smoke-free life.
Why Is It Hard to Quit Smoking?
Even people who are determined to quit smoking often find it difficult because nicotine is highly addictive. When you stop smoking, your body goes through withdrawal symptoms, making it harder to resist cravings.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
- Strong urges to smoke
- Irritability, restlessness, and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite and potential weight gain
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Headaches and dizziness
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
These withdrawal symptoms are temporary and manageable with the right support, which is why many smokers successfully quit with a structured stop smoking plan.
Benefits of Stopping Smoking
Quitting smoking significantly improves your health, no matter how long you have been smoking.
Immediate Benefits
- After 20 minutes – Heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.
- After 8 hours – Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels reduce in the blood.
- After 24 hours – Carbon monoxide is eliminated, and oxygen levels improve.
Long-Term Benefits
- 1 year – The risk of heart disease is cut in half.
- 5 years – Stroke risk is the same as a non-smoker.
- 10 years – Lung cancer risk is reduced by half.
- 15 years – Heart disease risk returns to normal levels.
By quitting smoking, you will breathe easier, feel healthier, and live longer.
Tips to Help You Quit Smoking
Practical Strategies for Success
- Get support from friends and family – Let them know you are quitting, and ask them not to smoke around you.
- Replace your cigarette breaks with a new habit – Try a 5-minute walk or drink a glass of water when cravings hit.
- Use a stop smoking aid – Nicotine patches, gum, and medications can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Track your progress – Save the money you would have spent on cigarettes to see the benefits of quitting.
- Stay positive – Every smoke-free day is a step towards better health.
If you have tried to quit before and found it difficult, our expert smoking cessation team can provide tailored support to improve your chances of success.
How Hodgson Pharmacy’s Smoking Cessation Service Can Help
Our pharmacists are accredited Stop Smoking Advisors and can guide you through the process of quitting. We provide:
Personalised Stop Smoking Support
- One-to-one counselling and professional advice
- Weekly check-ins to monitor progress and adjust strategies
- Behavioural support to help break the smoking habit
NHS-Approved Stop Smoking Treatments
We offer a range of medically proven stop smoking aids, including:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – Patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers
- Stop Smoking Tablets – Prescription medications such as Champix (varenicline) or Zyban
- E-Cigarettes (Vaping) – A less harmful alternative to smoking that may support quitting
Free NHS Stop Smoking Support
If you are eligible for NHS-funded smoking cessation, you may receive free nicotine replacement products and expert support.
If you are unsure which treatment is right for you, book a free consultation with our pharmacist today.
Book Your Smoking Cessation Appointment Today
Quitting smoking is challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. Hodgson Pharmacy’s Smoking Cessation Service provides:
- Personalised stop smoking plans
- Free NHS-funded support for eligible patients
- Expert advice from trained stop smoking advisors
- A wide range of nicotine replacement and prescription treatments
Take the first step towards a smoke-free life today. Book your consultation at Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield, Dartford, or Gravesend.
For more details, visit the NHS Smokefree website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is smoking cessation?
Smoking cessation refers to the process of quitting smoking using a combination of medical support, behavioural strategies, and nicotine replacement therapies.
How long does it take to quit smoking?
The withdrawal period usually peaks within the first 2 weeks, but many people require 12 weeks of support to successfully quit smoking for good.
What is the best way to stop smoking?
The most effective method varies for each individual, but combining nicotine replacement therapy, medication, and behavioural support significantly increases success rates.
Can I get NHS-funded stop smoking support?
Yes, Hodgson Pharmacy provides an NHS-funded Smoking Cessation Service for eligible patients, covering free support and nicotine replacement products.
What medications help to stop smoking?
Common stop smoking medications include:
- Champix (Varenicline) – Reduces cravings and makes smoking less satisfying.
- Zyban (Bupropion) – Helps control withdrawal symptoms.
Can I stop smoking with e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes can be a less harmful alternative to smoking and may help some people quit, but they are not entirely risk-free.
Where can I get a smoking cessation consultation?
You can book an appointment at Hodgson Pharmacy in Longfield, Dartford, or Gravesend for personalised stop smoking support.
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