Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself – and your body starts bouncing back fast.
As soon as you stop, your body begins to heal. You’ll find it easier to breathe, feel more energetic and just feel better overall.
It can help your mind too. A lot of people say they feel less stressed or anxious once they’ve quit – and their mood improves.
Plus, let’s be real – smoking is expensive. Quitting means you’ll save a lot of money over time (hello extra cash for stuff you actually like!).
It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you’ve been smoking – it’s never too late to stop. And if you get the right help, you’ve got a much better chance of smashing it.
Where can you get help?
There are stop smoking services in every part of Greater Manchester. You’ll find them all on our website. The services offer help in different ways – whatever works best for you.
The NHS website, has lots of information and advice. Learn more about :
- NHS stop smoking services help you quit
- Passive smoking
- Stopping smoking for your mental health
- Better health – Ready to quit smoking
- Better health – stay smoke free
- Better health – help others quit
Each page has practical tips, resource and support to help you stop smoking
The Smoke-Free app can help you any time of day and night, seven days a week.
Use it to stay motivated, monitor how your body recovers and track how much money you’re saving
Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
The Make Smoking History website is worth checking out for advice and local services.
The NHS has set up a FREE helpline for people who need support. You can call 0300 123 1044 between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays if you need their support.
What makes smoking harmful?
Nicotine – the addictive chemical in tobacco smoke and other products which contain nicotine. You can quickly and easily become addicted to the nicotine, which makes it hard to give up.
Carbon Monoxide – an invisible gas produced from smoking tobacco that has no smell and is normally connected with car exhaust fumes and faulty boilers. It is often called the ‘silent killer’ because it can be so dangerous. It can thicken your blood and push up your blood pressure
Tar – the sticky black substance produced by burning tobacco. The chemicals from the tar go from the lungs into your blood stream and then round to every cell of your body, causing damage along the way. It harms your lungs over time, rots your teeth and causes cancers, heart disease and other illnesses.
Why stop smoking?
Myth v Fact
Myth
Smoking helps you lose weight.
Fact
Smokers usually eat a far less healthy diet. This means you’ll often have less energy to be physically active which results in weight gain. You’ll also find it harder to exercise.
Myth
You need to smoke for years before it will do you any harm.
Fact
Smoking just a few cigarettes can really make a difference to your fitness and energy levels.
Top tips to help you stop smoking
- Talk to your friends, they might want to quit too.
- Talk to your parents, if you feel like you can. They may be able to help you or point you to support services
- Focus on all the benefits
- Get help from the experts. The good news is there’s lots.
It’s not always easy to speak to young people about smoking. Here’s some advice.
