Does passive smoking cause harm?

Passive smokers risk of heart disease may be as much as half that of someone smoking 20 cigarettes a day even though they only inhale about 1% of the smoke.

I have been smoking for many years and am now well into middle age. What benefit would there be for me if I decide to stop smoking?

There is good research to show that people in your situation who decide to stop avoid most of the subsequent risk of lung cancer. Also, stopping smoking before middle age avoids more than 90% of the risks attributable to smoking. The research has shown that 40% of those who continue to smoke will not reach retirement age.

Am I putting myself at risk of ill health if I smoke cigars?

Smoking cigarettes, pipe or cigars is a risk factor of all cancers associated with the larynx (throat), mouth and gullet. Over 90% of patients with oral cancer use tobacco by either smoking it or chewing it. Those who smoke pipes or cigars experience a risk similar to that of cigarette smokers.


What are the withdrawal symptoms of stopping smoking and how can they be relieved?

Typical symptoms occur as a result of a craving for nicotine such as irritability, anxiety difficulty concentrating, restlessness, sleep disturbances, reduced heart rate and increased appetite or weight gain. Many of these withdrawal symptoms can be relieved by nicotine replacement therapy.

Will I put on weight if I stop smoking?

More than 80% of smokers will gain weight once they stop, but the long term weight gain is on average 6-8lbs for each smoker who stops. Also, this weight gain is without making any special effort at dieting or exercise and it presents a minor health risk when compared to the risk of continued smoking.
In addition, improving lung function and some of the other health benefits of giving up are likely to make exercise both easier and more beneficial.

What benefit is there in using nicotine patches or gum to help me stop smoking?

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) comes in the form of chewing gum, skin patches, tablets, nasal spray or inhaler and are designed to help the smoker to break the habit while providing a reduced dose of nicotine to overcome withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and mood changes. Studies have shown that NRT roughly doubles the chances of a smoker successfully stopping compared to someone using no therapy.

What is Zyban?

Zyban is a drug in tablet form that some people use to help them stop smoking. It works by desensitising the brains nicotine receptors and has shown promising results in large studies. The course of treatment lasts 8 weeks and the medicine is only available on prescription under medical supervision. Zyban is safe for most healthy adults but there are side effects, the most serious of which is the risk of seizures (fits).

What are the benefits in attending a smoking support clinic?

Smokers who are motivated to stop the habit may benefit from cessation clinics or self-help groups. There is evidence to show that smokers are up to 4 times more likely to stop smoking by attending specialist smokers clinics than by using willpower alone.

What does the smoking cessation clinic include?

Information and support will be available on :
§ How to prepare to stop
§ Setting a quit date
§ Preparation to stop
§ How to stay stopped
§ Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Zyban
§ Coping with withdrawal
§ Weight control
§ Relaxation techniques

Is there a cost to attend the smoking cessation clinic?

No, this service is free of charge to everyon.

How long will it take to stop smoking?

Your quitting programme will be tailored to your individual requirements. You may attend the clinic for as many or as little sessions as you need to help you through the process of stopping.

What if I start smoking again after attending the smoking cessation clinic?

If you don't stay stopped don't worry. Many people will have relapses before finally stopping. You can return to the clinic for further support at any time.


What effects can smoking have on my appearance?

Tobacco smoke has a drying effect on the skin surface. Smoking reduces the amount of blood flowing to the skin, thus limiting the amount of oxygen and important nutrients available to the skin. Skin damaged by smoke has a greyish wasted appearance. Smoking also results in a yellowing of the teeth and is a cause of halitosis (bad breath).

What harm does hand rolled cigarettes cause?

Hand-rolled cigarettes do not usually contain a filter and the tobacco is a much stronger form of tobacco, which delivers not only high levels of nicotine but high levels of the disease-causing chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide.

Can pregnant women take nicotine replacement therapy?

NRT can be prescribed to women who are pregnant because they deliver only a low dose of nicotine without any of the other dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke.