Refer yourself to stop smoking services
Peer reviewed by Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGPLast updated by Dr Toni HazellLast 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
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.
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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
England Personal Quit Plan and local stop smoking services
Isle of Man (provided free by the Department of Health and Social Care)
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
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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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