Stop Smoking
We know it’s not easy to stop smoking, but it is achievable, and you don’t have to do it alone. We know there are lots of challenges when you try and quit. We’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier, smoke-free life.
Stop for Life Sandwell
Introducing Sandwell’s new stop smoking service. Get in touch with them today for support to quit.
Why should I quit smoking?
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to take care of your health. Stop for Life Sandwell can help you stop smoking.
There’s lot of benefits to quitting smoking.
Saving Money:
On average, a smoker can save over £250 a month. Calculate your potential savings using our cost calculator:
Saving Money
On average, a smoker can save over £250 a month. Calculate your potential savings using our cost calculator.
Improving your health
The impact of quitting smoking on your health begins almost immediately.
20 Minutes
Pulse rate returns to normal.
8 Hours
Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by more than half, and oxygen levels return to normal.
48 Hours
Carbon monoxide is eliminated, and lungs start clearing out mucus and smoking debris.
72 Hours
Breathing becomes easier, and energy levels increase.
2-12 Weeks
Improved circulation; blood pumps around the body much easier.
3-9 Months
Coughs and breathing problems reduce, and lung function increases by up to 10%.
1 Year
Risk of heart disease is about half of a person who still smokes.
10 Years
Risk of lung cancer falls to half of that of a smoker.
15 Years
Risk of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
It helps your family too!
Your children are less likely to become smokers if you quit smoking around them. You will protect them from second-hand smoke too. Quitting reduces the risk of your family developing asthma, meningitis and certain cancers.
But what if I've tried to quit before?
If you’ve tried to quit before and haven’t succeeded, don’t be discouraged. Smoking is an addiction, and your body becomes dependent on nicotine over time. Withdrawal symptoms, including cravings and headaches, may occur when you quit. Quitting smoking is a journey, and you can do it with the right support.
Vapes are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine through a vapour rather than smoke. Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, do the same thing. The solution in vapes is known as e-liquid.
Vapes come in various forms, and e-liquids have different nicotine strengths. Nicotine isn’t completely harmless. But it is less harmful than the toxins found in cigarette smoke.
Vaping can help you to quit smoking, along with getting professional support. But, vaping is not risk-free, and it is not recommended for non-smokers or individuals under 18.
The healthiest option is to avoid both smoking and vaping.
Using Vapes to Quit Smoking
- Vapes are not currently available through the NHS. But, local smoking support services can assist you in getting one.
- Combining vaping with one-to-one stop smoking support has proven successful for many individuals.
- While vaping may help you quit smoking, the ultimate goal should be to stop vaping as well when you are ready.
Buying Vapes Safely
Always buy vaping products from reputable suppliers:
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specialist vape shops
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pharmacies
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supermarkets
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UK-based online retailers
Nicotine vaping products are tightly regulated in the UK for safety and quality.
Myths and Facts about Vapes
There are many myths surrounding vaping, fuelled by misleading information.
Explore common myths and facts based on scientific evidence and data.
Other forms of tobacco use, such as chewing tobacco, shisha, paan, and betel quid, come with their own set of serious health risks.
Shisha Smoking
Shisha pipes, hookah, narghile, or waterpipe smoking involves inhaling tobacco, often mixed with fruit or sugar, through a bowl and hose or tube.
Shisha smokers and those around them are exposed to smoke, like cigarette smoke. Extended shisha sessions can result in prolonged exposure, with one puff equalling the smoke from an entire cigarette.
Paan, Betel Quid, and Chewing Tobacco
Chewing tobacco raises the risk of mouth and throat cancer. Even betel quid without tobacco has shown harmful effects. Chewing tobacco absorbs more nicotine than smoking a cigarette.
The Healthy Pregnancy team are here to help support you to quit smoking if you are pregnant.
They can offer:
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Free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
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Free personalised support
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Free vapes and fluid
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Details about the National Smoke-free Pregnancy Incentive Scheme
Ask your midwife to refer you today or you can refer yourself by contacting Healthy Sandwell.
Illegal tobacco and vapes pose significant threats to the health, safety, and well-being of everyone.
Illegal Tobacco
Risks
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Illegal tobacco has the same harmful properties of legal tobacco but is completely unregulated.
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The sale of cheap or illegal tobacco makes it easier for children and young people to start smoking.
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Some illegal cigarettes lack fire safety features, making them more prone to causing fires.
Signs to Look Out For
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Foreign language health warnings on packets
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No of pictures or outdated health warnings
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Unusually low prices (e.g., £3.50 – £7.00 per pack of 20)
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Branded packaging instead of plain packaging
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Unusual or foreign brand names
Illegal Vapes
Risks
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Illegal vapes may contain harmful chemicals, contaminants, or toxic substances.
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They are manufactured without proper quality standards. They may have defects or subpar materials.
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The long-term health effects of illegal vapes remain unclear.
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Poorly constructed illegal vape devices can lead to battery explosions.
Signs to Look Out For
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Nicotine content exceeding 20mg/2%
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Puff count exceeding 600 puffs
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Ingredient list including unauthorised substances such as vitamins, colourings, diacetyl, caffeine, or taurine
If you can provide information about the sale of illegal goods or scams, please get in touch via MySandwell.