Smoking: Is it difficult to quit?

Most smokers want to stop smoking. This can improve their health and they can live longer. It is not easy quitting as nicotine addiction holds the smoker ‘prisoner’. However, more than 11 million people in the UK have successfully quit smoking. There is no quick and easy way. Ten steps to quit smoking

MAKE A DATE - Stick to your date. Most people who successfully quit smoking do so by stopping altogether, and not by gradually cutting down.

KEEP BUSY – It will help take your mind off cigarettes. Throw away all your ashtrays, lighters, and unopened cigarette packets.

DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS - Keep a glass of water or juice by you and sip it steadily. Try different flavours.

GET MORE ACTIVE - Walk instead of using the bus or car. Try the stairs instead of the lift. Exercise helps you relax and can boost your morale.

THINK POSITIVE AND MANAGE YOUR WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS - Withdrawal can be unpleasant but it is a sign your body is recovering from the effects of tobacco. Irritability, urges to smoke and poor concentration are common - don't worry, they usually disappear after a couple of weeks. However, you can use Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum etc.) or Zyban to manage your withdrawal symptoms. Phone 0800 169 0169 or 0800 00 22 88 and ask for your local free stop smoking service or see your GP.

CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE - Try to avoid the shop where you usually buy cigarettes. Perhaps you should avoid the canteen at work if there are lots of smokers around you. Try doing something totally different. Surprise yourself!7

NO EXCUSES - Don't use a crisis or even good news to be an excuse for 'just one cigarette' there is no such thing - you will soon want the next and the next.

TREAT YOURSELF - This is important. If you can, use the money you are saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special - big or small - that you usually would not have.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU EAT - Try not to snack on fatty or sugary foods. If you do need to snack try fruit, raw vegetables, or sugar-free gum or sweets.

TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME - Each day without a cigarette is good news for your health, your family - and your pocket. If you do not succeed this time try, try and try again! Each attempt increases your chances of quitting successfully. (Reference: Muslim Health Network)