If you've tried to quit smoking in the past and failed - don't worry.
Most people try to quit at least 5 times before they finally succeed. A lot of people also need to see a doctor or other health professional for help to quit.
This is because it’s hard to ignore your smoking triggers. Times when you normally would light up - like when you’re at the pub having a drink, or having coffee with a friend, driving any time of the day - you associate with reaching for a cigarette. You see, it’s not just the habit you’re up against. It’s also your nicotine addiction.
Tools to help you get serious about quitting
Cigarettes: how addicted are you?
Find out about how you can quit smoking:
How your body will benefit
When you stop smoking, the benefits start straight away. See how
Can you nail quitting?
See just how much you know about your addiction
Why quitting can be hard.
Cigarettes contain nicotine and, very quickly after you start smoking, your body becomes addicted.
Nicotine attaches to the receptors in your brain in seconds. This releases a chemical called dopamine, which creates a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. When you haven't smoked for a while, your levels of dopamine drop and you get the symptoms of withdrawal - cravings and irritability.
