Do you smoke and are you thinking about quitting? Good for you for wanting to take that step! Quitting smoking is often difficult because smoking is an addiction. The body is accustomed to nicotine, and quitting can therefore be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms and difficult moments. Research shows that quitting with guidance significantly increases the chances of success. It is therefore beneficial not to go it alone, but to make use of the help and support available.
Quitting smoking or vaping has immediate and long-lasting positive effects on your health. Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your blood pressure drops, after two days your sense of smell and taste improves, and after a few weeks you often feel fitter and have fewer coughing problems. In the long term, you reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease and various forms of cancer. You also protect the people around you from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
There are various ways in which you can receive support to quit smoking or vaping. This can be done in a group or individually, and both online and on location.
Your GP or practice nurse can play an important role in helping you quit smoking. During an appointment, you will discuss your smoking behaviour and your motivation to quit. Your GP or practice nurse can help you draw up a quit plan that suits your situation. They can also advise you on medication or nicotine replacement products, such as patches, chewing gum or tablets, which can reduce withdrawal symptoms. This often makes quitting easier.
In addition, GP practices often offer support programmes in which you have regular contact for coaching and guidance. Your GP or practice nurse can also refer you to specialised stop smoking programmes, such as group courses or individual coaching, if necessary. The advantage of this support is that it is available close to home and is usually covered by basic health insurance.
Quitting as a group has many advantages. You meet people who have the same goal, which means you can support and motivate each other. During seven 90-minute sessions, you will prepare to quit together. After two weeks of preparation, you will quit together during the third session. This is followed by a month of support, during which experienced coaches will help you get through the difficult first few weeks. This method has been scientifically proven to be effective and was developed at universities in England. The group process provides extra motivation and helps you maintain your new, smoke-free life.
Would you prefer personal attention? Then individual coaching might be something for you. Here, you work with a coach on your own goals. The coach guides you step by step, gives tailored advice and helps you deal with difficult situations. The programme consists of six sessions, one of 30 minutes and five of 20 minutes. Between sessions, you can contact the coach if you are experiencing difficulties, so that you receive the right support when you need it.
Quitting vaping can also be difficult, because many vape products contain nicotine and are addictive. The guidance and methods that apply to smoking are often also applicable to quitting vaping. Discuss this with your GP or counsellor so that you can make a suitable plan.
Almost all health insurers fully reimburse good support for quitting smoking under the basic insurance package. This means that you can often make use of coaching, medication and stop-smoking programmes at no extra cost.
Would you like to quit smoking or vaping? Make an appointment with your GP or practice nurse. They can help you draw up a plan to quit and refer you to appropriate support. You can also find more information and tips on the website. Smoke-free! You too?.
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