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Stoptober: Join Thousands of Others Getting Ready to Quit Smoking

Stoptober is back!

Every October, thousands of people aim to go a month smoke-free – making it 5 times more likely they will give up for good.

Most people try to quit smoking using willpower alone – which is proven to be the least effective way. Stoptober has the information, motivation and support to help you quit for good.

Since launching in 2012, more than 2.5 million people have attempted to quit smoking during October.

Why it’s Important

More than five million people in England still smoke. Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death.

Here are some figures:

  • 2 out of 3 smokers will die from smoking unless they quit
  • Smoking causes 64,000 deaths every year in England
  • On average, smokers die ten years younger than non-smokers
  • The NHS spends £1.9 billion every year treating smoking-related diseases

The Benefits of Quitting

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. When you stop, you’ll start feeling better almost straight away.

Here’s what can happen after your last cigarette:

  • After 20 minutes, your pulse will be returning to normal
  • Eight hours later, your oxygen levels are recovering, and the carbon monoxide in your blood has halved
  • Within 48 hours, your smell and taste will improve. Your body has flushed out all carbon monoxide
  • You’ll be breathing easier and feeling more energetic after 72 hours
  • Between 2-12 weeks, your blood is pumping to your heart and muscles better
  • Three to nine months later, your lungs are already working 10% better, reducing your coughing and wheezing
  • A year from your last cigarette, your risk of a heart attack has halved
  • After 10 years, your risk of dying from lung cancer is 50% lower
  • By 15 years smoke-free, your risk of a heart attack is no higher than someone who has never smoked

The average cost of a packet of cigarettes is £15.84. Most smokers spend around £59.54 on tobacco every week. Quitting for a year could save you as much as £3,000.

There is also research that shows people who have given up smoking for a year are happier, with lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress.

Getting the Support to Quit

As we said at the top when, the most common way people try to quit smoking is just using willpower.

But this is shown to be the least effective way, and leads to people giving up on their quit attempt.

Getting the right support gives you the best chance of giving up smoking for good.

The NHS Better Health website has a range of options to help everyone.

NHS Quit Smoking App

Screen shots of the NHS Quit App

The NHS Quit Smoking App is on Apple App store and Google Play.

Track your progress through a 28-day quit programme, with daily support.

Personal Quit Plan

Screen shot of the

This free and easy-to-use tool will find you the best support in your quit attempt.

Just answer three quick questions.

Daily Email Support

Get email support, tips, encouragement straight to your inbox to help with your quit attempt

Vaping to help Quit

A vaping device

Find out the facts about vaping as a way to help you quit smoking.

Local Stop Smoking Services

A screenshot of the NHS website find a stop smoking services

You can look up the nearest service, find out what to expect, and what support they can give you.

Facebook Support Groups

A screenshot of the NHS Quit Smoking SupportGroup on Facebook

You don’t need to go it alone!

Join others on their quit journey and get – and give – friendly help and support.

Easy Read Guide

The NHS have made an easy read guide to quit smoking. You can see it here, or print or download it.

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