Questions About Stopping Smoking 

What should I expect when I stop smoking? 

First of all, congratulations – you’ve made the right decision! But be prepared because, inevitably, some withdrawal symptoms will be on the way. They begin almost immediately after you stop smoking. They’re usually at their worst during the first few days, although they can continue for several weeks. You may experience any of the following: craving for cigarettes, coughing, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, mood changes, nervousness, and headaches. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Go to our Keeping Calm section for suggestions on coping with withdrawal symptoms.

What should I do the day I stop smoking?

Start by asking your family, friends and colleagues to support you! Then throw out all your cigarettes, matches, lighters, ashtrays – in fact everything you associate with smoking. From then on, keep busy. Do some exercise, go to the cinema, take a walk or get together with friends. And if you’ve decided to use a NiQuitin product, start using it alongside your Click2Quit Plan on the day you decide is your quit date. Visit our Giving Up section for our official checklist of things to do before you give up.

Will I put on weight when I stop smoking?

Many people (but not everyone) gain a few pounds in the first 8-10 weeks after they quit smoking. But it’s a small price to pay for the enormous gains to your overall health and appearance.

While the exact reason for this weight gain has never been established, some studies suggest nicotine increases the body’s metabolism (it’s ability to convert sugar and fat to energy). If you continue to gain weight after the first two months, try and work out why and then change your habits accordingly. (If you eat high fat snacks then switch to healthy snacks, for example, and take more exercise to burn off the extra calories). Click here for more information on keeping weight gain to a minimum.

Alongside this, you could use NiQuitin 4mg Lozenges (if you smoke within 30 minutes of waking) which can help curb increased appetite. You keep each lozenge in your mouth for up to 30 minutes and to begin with you need to suck at least nine lozenges a day – so you’re less likely to snack. By helping you to control your weight whilst you quit, NiQuitin 4mg Lozenges can help you stay strong, in control and feeling good about yourself.

What if I slip up and have a cigarette?

Don’t worry – it happens. If you’ve just had one or two, it’s not the end of the world and you haven’t necessarily erased the health benefits you’ve already gained by stopping smoking. After a slip up, the first thing to do is throw out all your cigarettes – then forgive yourself and get right back on track. Don’t beat yourself up about it, and don’t discard your NiQuitin in a panic – you need them now more than ever.

If you’ve been smoking regularly again, don’t be too hard on yourself either. You’ve learned about what works and what doesn’t, and with that knowledge, you’re more likely to be successful next time.

I’ve tried quitting before and always failed. Is my willpower simply not strong enough?

No! The success rate for people who try to stop smoking cold turkey is a dismal 2-3%. Why not try again with the help of a therapeutic nicotine product like NiQuitin? It can double your chances of stopping successfully compared to willpower alone, and signing up to the Click2Quit Plan increases your chances even further.