I've tried to give up smoking and failed, what now?

Try again, and try differently. Very few people stop for good on their first attempt, so a slip does not mean you cannot do it. Look at what tripped you up last time, add proper support, and choose a method that suits you. The NHS stop smoking service is free, and a private stop smoking practitioner can add one-to-one time and a plan built around your habits.

Why one try so often isn't enough

Nicotine is strongly habit-forming, and smoking gets tied up with routines and feelings: the first coffee, the break at work, the drink on a Friday, a stressful phone call. Many people need several attempts before one sticks, and each attempt teaches you something. A slip is useful information about what to plan for, not proof that you have failed.

Work out what got in the way

• When did it go wrong? Was it a stressful day, a night out, or a quiet moment you did not know what to do with?
• What did you try? Willpower alone, patches, gum, an e-cigarette, a book or an app. What helped and what didn't?
• Who was around you? Friends or family who smoke can make it harder, and a supportive person makes it easier.
• What did you tell yourself? Thoughts like 'just one won't hurt' are worth spotting and planning for.

What support can look like

Most people find they do better with help than on their own. There are a few routes, and you can combine them.

• NHS stop smoking service. Free, with regular check-ins and advice on nicotine replacement and other medicines. Your GP or pharmacist can point you to it.
• A stop smoking practitioner. One-to-one or group sessions that look at your triggers, build a plan and keep you accountable.
• Hypnotherapy. Some people find relaxation and suggestion help them feel calmer and less drawn to a cigarette.
• Coaching. Helpful for staying motivated and planning around the moments that catch you out.

What a session is like

The first session is usually a chat of 45 to 90 minutes about your history, your triggers and why you want to stop now. You then agree a plan, perhaps a quit date, ways to handle cravings and what to do if you slip. Later sessions check how it is going and adjust the plan. A good practitioner is kind about slips and doesn't lecture you.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies. Some people have one longer session with a follow-up, and others prefer a short block of a few weeks so there is regular support while the habit loosens. It is fair to ask at the start how many sessions they would expect for you, and what happens if you slip afterwards.

Roughly what does it cost?

Private stop smoking sessions in the UK are commonly from £50 for a session, and often more in big cities. Some practitioners offer a single longer session or a package at a set price. Many offer a free first chat. Check what is included, including any follow-up, and the cancellation terms. Remember that the NHS service is free.

Where it fits alongside NHS care, and when to see your GP

The NHS stop smoking service, with nicotine replacement or prescribed medicines, is a well-supported route, and many people use a private practitioner alongside it. If you take regular medication, are pregnant, or have a heart, lung or mental health condition, please speak to your GP or pharmacist before you change anything, as stopping smoking can affect how some medicines work. Don't stop or change any treatment on the strength of a session. A good practitioner will tell you if another route is better first.

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