Stopping Smoking: A GP Guide to Quitting for Good
Stopping smoking is the single best thing most smokers can do for their health. The benefits start within days and keep building for years, whatever your age and however long you have smoked.
Most people need more than one attempt to stop, and that is normal. Using the right treatment and support greatly improves your chances of quitting for good.
This page explains the benefits of stopping, the treatments and support available, and how to cope with cravings, written from a GP perspective.
These articles are intended as educational sources, not diagnostic nor taking place of a proper medical assessment. If you need help, please book an appointment with one of our GP’s.
Why stopping smoking matters
Smoking damages almost every part of the body. Stopping lowers your risk of:
- heart attack and stroke
- lung cancer and many other cancers
- COPD and worsening asthma
- chest infections
- problems in pregnancy
Stopping also improves your breathing, sense of taste and smell, skin and finances. It is never too late to benefit.
What happens when you stop
Your body starts to recover soon after your last cigarette. Within days, carbon monoxide levels in your blood fall and your breathing can start to feel easier.
Over the following weeks and months, circulation and lung function improve and a smoker’s cough often settles. Over the years, your risk of heart disease, stroke and many cancers continues to fall.
Treatments that can help
Combining treatment with support gives you the best chance of success. Options include:
Nicotine replacement therapy
Patches, gum, lozenges, sprays and inhalators give you nicotine without the smoke. Using a patch with a faster-acting product is often more effective than using one alone.
Varenicline
A prescription tablet that reduces cravings and makes smoking less satisfying. A GP will check whether it is suitable for you.
Cytisine
A newer prescription tablet that works in a similar way to varenicline. Availability can vary.
Vaping
E-cigarettes can help some adults stop smoking and are much less harmful than smoking, although they are not risk-free. The aim should be to stop vaping in time too.
Stop smoking services
Local NHS stop smoking services offer free support and treatment. You are much more likely to succeed with their help than on your own.
Apps and online support
The NHS Quit Smoking app and other tools can help you track your progress and stay motivated.
Planning your quit attempt
A little planning makes a real difference. Before you stop, it can help to:
- set a quit date and tell friends and family
- think about when you usually smoke and plan what to do instead
- remove cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays from your home and car
- arrange your treatment and support before your quit date
Many people find it easier to stop completely on a set day rather than cutting down gradually, although cutting down first can work for some.
Coping with cravings and withdrawal
Cravings and withdrawal symptoms are common, especially in the first few weeks. You may notice:
- strong urges to smoke
- irritability, restlessness or low mood
- difficulty concentrating
- a bigger appetite
These usually ease over a few weeks. Individual cravings tend to pass within a few minutes, so distraction, a short walk or a faster-acting nicotine product can help you ride them out.
Stopping smoking with a health condition
If you have a long-term condition, stopping smoking is especially valuable. For example:
- in asthma, it reduces flare-ups and helps treatment work better
- in COPD, it is the most effective way to slow the disease
- in heart disease and diabetes, it lowers the risk of complications
Stopping smoking can change how some medicines work, so tell your GP or pharmacist when you stop if you take regular medication.
Weight, mood and stopping smoking
Some people worry about weight gain or mood when they stop. It helps to know that:
- some weight gain is common, but the health benefits of stopping far outweigh it
- regular activity and healthy snacks can help manage appetite
- mood often improves in the months after stopping, once withdrawal settles
If you have a history of depression or another mental health condition, stopping smoking is still recommended. Let your GP know so you can be supported through it.
If you slip up
A slip is not a failure. Many people smoke the odd cigarette while trying to stop. If it happens:
- do not see it as a reason to give up
- think about what triggered it and plan for next time
- keep using your treatment and support
Most people who stop for good have tried several times before. Each attempt teaches you something useful.
Getting help from a GP
A GP can help you plan your quit attempt and choose the right treatment. Consider booking an appointment if:
- you would like to discuss prescription medicines such as varenicline
- you have tried to stop before and found it hard
- you have a long-term health condition
- you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
If you are pregnant, stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for you and your baby. Your midwife can refer you to specialist support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective way to stop smoking?
Combining treatment, such as nicotine replacement or a prescription medicine, with support from a stop smoking service gives you the best chance of quitting for good.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Vaping is much less harmful than smoking and can help some adults stop, but it is not risk-free. It is not recommended for people who do not smoke, and the aim should be to stop vaping in time too.
Can a GP prescribe stop smoking tablets?
Yes. A GP can assess whether a prescription medicine such as varenicline is suitable for you and prescribe it where clinically appropriate.
How long do cravings last?
Individual cravings usually pass within a few minutes. Withdrawal symptoms tend to be strongest in the first few weeks and ease over time.
Is it worth stopping if I have smoked for years?
Yes. Stopping smoking brings health benefits at any age and however long you have smoked.
Further Reading and Hub Links
Visit our Lung Health hub or browse more health topics in the AccessGP Knowledge Base. For free support, see NHS Better Health: Quit smoking.
If you would like a GP to help you plan your quit attempt or discuss stop smoking medicines, you can book an online appointment at a time that suits you. Our GMC-registered GPs offer same-day or next-day video and telephone consultations.
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Reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain, GP · GMC number 7486123 (check the GMC register) · About Dr Hussain
Updated: 7 November 2026