7.3 non pharmacological options

Specialist Counselling 

• Those who receive advice and support are 4 times more likely to quit

• Most effective method to stop smoking is medication PLUS behavioural support

• Group counselling has been found more effective than self-help, but unclear whether more effective than 1:1

• NHS Stop Smoking Services

General Counselling Points to Cover:

• Set a quit date and the ‘not-a-puff’ rule

• Abrupt quitting offers the best chance of success

• The first lapse almost always leads to regular smoking

• Other options for stress management?

• Distraction techniques: short bouts of exercise, talking, keeping busy, changing the environment

• Avoid other smokers

• Weight gain 

further reading

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