Smoking

Although numbers of people who smoke are declining, tobacco use remains one of the largest reasons for premature death. Smoking kills half of all long term users, causing almost 96,000 premature deaths during 2014-15 alone in the UK. Smoking is the most important cause of preventable ill health and premature mortality in the UK. Smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease. 

It is also associated with cancers in other organs, including lip, mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, stomach, liver and cervix. Smoking is a modifiable lifestyle risk factor‑ effective tobacco control measures can reduce the prevalence of smoking in the population.  By supporting smokers to become smokefree we will be protecting and improving health and preventing early mortality rates. 

(Source: IOM DPH Annual Report 2017) 

Ways to Quit Smoking 

Cut down to quit: Some people can manage a quit attempt alone, but if they feel they are unable to stop abruptly use of some forms of NRT can help you cut down the number of cigarettes then stop 

Quit4You Free Stop Smoking Service: The Isle of Man Quit4You Service offers expert advice from trained Specialist Stop Smoking Advisors for more information visit www.gov.im/quit4you 

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) 

Patches: Patches release a steady dose of nicotine through the skin whilst it’s applied. They are discreet and easy to use, just apply it to the skin in the morning and removed at the end of the day (16hr) or the next morning (24hr). 

Nasal Spray: Delivers nicotine through the lining of your nose quickly and is useful for those who are highly dependent smokers who need fast-acting relief from cravings. You need to prime it at first so a fine spray enters the nostril/s. 

Mouth Spray: Delivers nicotine through the lining of your mouth quickly and is useful for those who need fast-acting relief from cravings. You need to prime it at first so a fine spray enters the mouth, using up to 1-2 sprays every 30 minutes to 1 hour. 

Mouthstrips: Release nicotine that is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. Place the strip on your tongue and then your tongue to the roof of your mouth where the strip should dissolve in second providing fast-acting relief from cravings. 

Lozenges: Release nicotine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. They come in different strengths, are sucked briefly and then parked in the side of mouth whilst they dissolve. Useful for those who want flexible but discreet control of cravings. 

Gum: Delivers nicotine through the lining of the mouth. It should be chewed slowly then parked in the side of your mouth. 2mg and 4mg doses are available in various flavours 

Microtabs: These are very small tablets that release nicotine when they are placed under your tongue to dissolve slowly. Useful for those who want flexible but discreet control of cravings. 

Inhalator: The nicotine is absorbed through the mouth rather than inhaled into the lungs, despite the name. It’s a small plastic tube containing a nicotine cartridge that needs to be ‘puffed’. Useful for those who are likely to miss the hand-to-mouth habit. 

Champix and Zyban Champix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion): are an alternative to NRT in helping you stop smoking. They don’t contain nicotine but they help to reduce cravings. They are only available from your GP who will advise if they are suitable and safe for you. 

E-cigs: Whilst e-cigs are not yet a regulated medication for stopping smoking, many people do use them to help them quit. Ask your advisor for the latest information. For more details on vaping.