It's time to kick the habit
Quitting smoking takes hard work and determination definitely, yet still people claim that they can't do it.
Well, new research reveals that there are over 160,000 ways to quit smoking, so can you really give a valid excuse anymore?
The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) used a mathematical model that calculated the number of unique combinations of stopping smoking based on a set list of 21 quit aids.
From different Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) formats (i.e. gum, patch, inhaler, nasal spray) to prescription only medication, to one-to-one advice from a healthcare professional/pharmacist to access to internet quit lines, the model concluded that there are 163,839 stop smoking combinations available.
During October, the nation’s eight million smokers will be encouraged to take part in Stoptober, the 28-day national stop smoking challenge. Research has shown that people who manage to stop smoking for four weeks are five times more likely to stop for good.
Last year, thousands of people successfully quit for Stoptober and Boots UK, who comissioned the research, is calling upon smokers across the country to take part in the smokefree challenge this October.
Public Health England's Director of Health and Wellbeing, Professor Kevin Fenton says, “Pharmacies can play an important role in the stop smoking journey because they are an accessible port of call for people who need help in navigating the wide range of available quitting options. Having this kind of support on the high street means that people stopping smoking have access to tailored advice and support easily and conveniently. They can speak to specially trained experts in confidence and get the extra support they need to help them feel more in control of their smokefree plan this Stoptober.”
Nikki Shah, Boots UK pharmacist in London says: “Many people who have successfully given up smoking have told us that one of the most important elements was for them to feel in control of their quitting journey. By having the right tailored support and advice in place, we hope to be able to help those who want to quit. There are now so many ways to stop smoking and a Boots pharmacist can help you choose the right one, as well as offer the all important ongoing support and advice throughout your quit journey. As our research shows, even if you have attempted to give up smoking before, there are many other options that could work for you, so speak to your local Boots pharmacist who can help you find the right personalised combination to help you stop smoking this Stoptober.”
Boots UK also delved further into the nation’s quitting behaviour to discover that as well as the traditional methods behind the 163,839 ways to stop smoking, smokers and ex-smokers also turn to more unusual approaches.
Nearly half have tried or would consider eating or chewing something instead of having a cigarette, whilst others preferred to spend more time in places where smoking isn’t allowed (e.g. churches, theatres, libraries and museums).
Almost one in 10 have tried or would consider trying to hide cigarettes (e.g. in the freezer) and a small group would try writing a song around stopping smoking as a motivational tool to help them stop.