Refer yourself to NHS stop smoking services
Peer reviewed by Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGPLast updated by Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGPLast updated 13 Nov 2023
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In this series:Self-referral Refer yourself for NHS antenatal careRefer yourself to NHS sexual health servicesNHS talking therapies - self referralRefer yourself to NHS drug and alcohol support services Book a Pharmacy First online consultation
Self-referral can be used to access free NHS stop smoking services without needing an appointment with your GP. This leaflet explains which services you can access.
At a glance
Stop smoking services can significantly increase your chances of quitting.
These services offer expert advice, support, and access to stop smoking treatments.
They can help you decide if e-cigarettes, nicotine replacement, or tablets are suitable.
You can refer yourself to NHS stop smoking services.
In this article:
Video picks for Self-referral
Continue reading below
Do you want to stop smoking?
Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health - the benefits go far beyond your lungs and your wallet. But that doesn’t make it easy. Of the 6.1 million smokers in England, six in 10 want to quit. Many try to give up using willpower alone, 'going cold turkey', but this is actually the least effective method.
The best way to quit smoking for good is with expert help from your local stop smoking service, together with aids such as e-cigarettes (vapes) or nicotine replacement in patch, gum, mouth spray or inhalator form.
Stop smoking services are free, friendly and can hugely increase your chances of stubbing out the habit for good. They’re staffed by expert advisors who are there to help you find the right way to quit. You’ll likely be offered a one-to-one appointment with an adviser, but group and drop-in services may be available too. Many people find sharing their quitting experience with others is hugely helpful.
A stop smoking advisor can give you accurate information and advice, and well as professional support for the first few months of your quitting journey.
They'll also work with you to decide whether you would benefit from stop smoking treatments, and if so which would work best for you. They may be able to offer tablets such as varenicline or bupropion on the NHS, or affordable stop smoking treatments nicotine replacement therapy.
Self-referral for NHS stop smoking services
Back to contentsEngland Personal Quit Plan and local stop smoking services
Isle of Man (provided free by the Department of Health and Social Care)
Patient picks for Self-referral
Treatment and medication
NHS talking therapies - self referral
Self-referral can be used to access free NHS talking therapies without needing an appointment with a GP. This leaflet explains which services can be accessed. Different areas will have access to different services.
by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP
Treatment and medication
Refer yourself for NHS antenatal care
Self-referral can be used to access free NHS antenatal care without needing an appointment with your GP. This leaflet explains which services you can access.
by Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP
Frequently asked questions
What kind of support can I expect from a stop smoking advisor?
A stop smoking advisor provides accurate information and advice, along with professional support during the initial months of your quitting journey. They will also help you determine if stop smoking treatments would be beneficial for you, and if so, which ones would be most effective.
Are there different formats for stop smoking service appointments?
Yes, you will likely be offered a one-to-one appointment with an advisor. However, group sessions and drop-in services might also be available. Many individuals find that sharing their quitting experiences with others is very beneficial.
Can I get medication to help me quit smoking through the stop smoking services?
Yes, stop smoking advisors may be able to offer tablets like varenicline or bupropion through the NHS. They can also provide affordable nicotine replacement therapy as part of stop smoking treatments.
How do stop smoking services improve my chances of quitting?
Stop smoking services can significantly increase your likelihood of quitting for good. They offer expert help and support, which is more effective than trying to quit using willpower alone, also known as 'going cold turkey'.
What aids are available to help me stop smoking?
Aids available to help you stop smoking include e-cigarettes (vapes) and nicotine replacement products. Nicotine replacement comes in various forms such as patches, gum, mouth sprays, or inhalators.
Further reading and references
- How do I stop smoking?; Cancer Research UK, June 2023
- Health matters: stopping smoking – what works?; Public Health England, December 2019
Continue reading below
About the authorView full bio
Dr Toni Hazell, MRCGP
MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, DFSRH, Dip GU med, DRCOG, DCH (London, UK, 2000)
Dr. Toni Hazell qualified from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School and did her VTS at Northwick Park Hospital.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP
Medical Writer
MA, MBBS, MSc, DRCOG, MRCP(UK), MRCGP(2021), FHEA
Dr Doug McKechnie is an NHS GP working in London. He works full-time clinically and is also the Deputy Lead for the Clinical and Professional Practice module at University College London Medical School.
Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 11 Nov 2028
13 Nov 2023 | Latest version
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