Stop Smoking: How Our Pharmacists Can Help You Quit
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Learn about the support and treatments available at Pulteney Pharmacy.
Stop Smoking: How Our Pharmacists Can Help You Quit
Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health. Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your body starts to recover. Within a year, your heart attack risk drops by half.
But we know it's not easy. That's why Pulteney Pharmacy offers comprehensive smoking cessation support to help you quit for good.
Why Quit Smoking?
The benefits of stopping smoking are immediate and long-lasting:
Within Hours to Days
- 20 minutes: Heart rate returns to normal
- 8 hours: Oxygen levels recover; carbon monoxide levels halve
- 24 hours: Lungs start to clear mucus
- 48 hours: Sense of taste and smell improve
Within Weeks to Months
- 2-12 weeks: Circulation improves
- 3-9 months: Lung function increases by up to 10%
- 1 year: Heart attack risk halves compared to a smoker
Long Term
- 10 years: Lung cancer risk halves
- 15 years: Heart attack risk same as someone who never smoked
Stop Smoking Treatments We Offer
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings by providing controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes.
Available forms:
- Patches: Steady nicotine release throughout the day
- Gum: Fast-acting for sudden cravings
- Lozenges: Discreet and easy to use
- Inhalators: Mimic the hand-to-mouth action
- Nasal spray: Very fast nicotine delivery
- Mouth spray: Rapid craving relief
Pro tip: Combining a patch (background relief) with a fast-acting product (for breakthrough cravings) is often most effective.
Varenicline (Champix)
Varenicline is a prescription-only medicine that:
- Reduces nicotine cravings
- Blocks the pleasurable effects of smoking
- Eases withdrawal symptoms
It's taken as tablets over a 12-week course. Many people find it highly effective.
Behavioural Support
Medication alone isn't enough for most people. That's why we offer ongoing support:
- Understanding your triggers
- Developing coping strategies
- Regular check-ins to track progress
- Encouragement and motivation
- Adjusting treatment if needed
Your Quit Smoking Journey with Us
Week 1-2: Assessment and Planning
- Private consultation to understand your smoking habits
- Set a quit date
- Choose appropriate NRT or discuss prescription options
- Create your personalised quit plan
Weeks 3-12: Active Support
- Weekly or fortnightly check-ins
- Monitor progress and side effects
- Adjust treatment as needed
- Celebrate milestones
Beyond Week 12: Staying Smoke-Free
- Continued support as needed
- Strategies for preventing relapse
- Long-term health monitoring
Tips for Success
- Set a quit date — And stick to it
- Tell people — Support from friends and family helps
- Remove triggers — Throw away cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays
- Change routines — Break associations with smoking
- Stay active — Exercise reduces cravings
- Reward yourself — Use the money you save for treats
- Don't give up — Most successful quitters tried several times
The Cost of Smoking vs Quitting
A 20-a-day smoker spends approximately £5,000 per year on cigarettes.
Our stop smoking service is available on the NHS—meaning treatment and support can be free or heavily subsidised.
Ready to Quit?
You don't have to do this alone. Our trained pharmacists are here to support you every step of the way.
📞 01225 466454 | 📍 35 Great Pulteney Street, Bath
Every cigarette not smoked is a victory.