Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in the United Kingdom, contributing to conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the NHS, around 76,000 people in the UK die each year from smoking-related illnesses, and many more live with debilitating long-term health conditions caused by tobacco use.
The good news is that quitting smoking has never been more achievable. In 2026, the NHS has expanded access to new and effective stop smoking treatments, including varenicline (Champix) and cytisinicline, giving people more options than ever to break free from nicotine addiction. Whether you have tried to quit before or are considering it for the first time, your local Allied Pharmacy is here to provide expert guidance, medication support, and ongoing encouragement to help you on your journey to becoming smoke-free.
Every cigarette you smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and at least 70 of which are known to cause cancer. Smoking damages nearly every organ in your body and significantly increases your risk of developing serious health conditions, including lung cancer, throat cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Beyond the physical health risks, smoking also affects your mental wellbeing, finances, and the health of those around you through secondhand smoke exposure. Children who live in households with smokers are at a higher risk of developing asthma, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The benefits of quitting begin almost immediately. Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate starts to return to normal. Within 48 hours, your sense of taste and smell begin to improve. After one year, your risk of heart disease drops to about half that of a smoker. After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of someone who still smokes. No matter how long you have smoked, quitting at any age adds years to your life and dramatically improves your quality of life.
The NHS has made significant progress in expanding the range of stop smoking medications available to patients. Two treatments in particular have gained attention in 2026 for their effectiveness in helping people quit.
Varenicline (Champix) has returned to NHS availability after supply disruptions in previous years. Varenicline works by attaching to nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing the pleasurable effects of smoking while also easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Clinical studies have shown that varenicline is one of the most effective stop smoking medications available, with quit rates significantly higher than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) alone. A typical course lasts 12 weeks, and your pharmacist can help you understand how to take it safely.
Cytisinicline is a newer treatment that has been approved for use in the UK. Derived from a natural plant-based compound, cytisinicline works in a similar way to varenicline by targeting nicotine receptors, but it offers a shorter treatment course and has been shown to be well tolerated with fewer side effects. It is an exciting addition to the range of options for people who want to stop smoking and is now available through NHS prescriptions.
Both treatments can be used alongside behavioural support, which has been shown to significantly increase the chances of a successful quit attempt.
Nicotine replacement therapy remains one of the most popular and accessible ways to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking. NRT works by delivering controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, helping to ease the transition to a smoke-free life.
There are several forms of NRT available from your local Allied Pharmacy, many of which can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. These include nicotine patches, which provide a steady release of nicotine throughout the day and are ideal for managing background cravings. Nicotine gum is available in different strengths and can be used whenever you feel an urge to smoke. Nicotine lozenges dissolve slowly in the mouth and are a discreet option for managing cravings at work or in social situations.
Nicotine inhalators mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, which can be particularly helpful for people who miss the physical habit. Nicotine nasal sprays deliver a faster hit of nicotine and are useful for managing sudden, intense cravings.
Your pharmacist can help you choose the right combination of NRT products for your needs. Many people find that using a combination approach, such as a patch for background cravings alongside gum or an inhalator for breakthrough urges, gives them the best chance of quitting successfully.
Quitting smoking is a journey, and having a plan in place can make all the difference. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for and succeed in your quit attempt.
Set a quit date and stick to it. Choose a date within the next two weeks and mark it on your calendar. Tell friends, family, and colleagues so they can support you. Remove cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays from your home, car, and workplace before your quit date.
Identify your triggers. Think about the situations, emotions, or habits that make you want to smoke, such as stress, socialising, or having a cup of tea. Once you know your triggers, you can plan alternative activities to replace the urge to smoke. For example, if you usually smoke after a meal, try going for a short walk or chewing sugar-free gum instead.
Stay active. Regular physical activity can help reduce cravings and improve your mood. Even a 10-minute walk can make a difference when you feel the urge to smoke. Exercise also helps manage weight gain, which is a common concern for people who are quitting.
Manage stress. Many people smoke as a way of coping with stress. Finding healthier ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or talking to a friend, can help you stay on track.
Do not be discouraged by setbacks. Many people need several attempts before they quit for good. If you slip up, do not see it as a failure. Learn from the experience and try again. Each attempt brings you closer to becoming smoke-free.
E-cigarettes and vapes have become increasingly popular as a tool for quitting smoking. While they are not completely risk-free, evidence reviewed by the NHS and public health bodies suggests that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, as it does not involve the combustion of tobacco.
For adults who are currently smoking, switching to an e-cigarette can be a helpful step towards quitting nicotine altogether. Vapes deliver nicotine in a vapour form without the tar, carbon monoxide, and many of the other harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. Some people use vaping as a stepping stone, gradually reducing their nicotine strength over time until they no longer need it.
However, it is important to note that e-cigarettes are not recommended for non-smokers or young people, and regulations around vaping products have been tightened in the UK to prevent youth uptake. If you are considering using a vape to help you quit smoking, speak to your pharmacist for advice on choosing a suitable device and nicotine strength. They can also help you develop a plan to gradually reduce your nicotine intake over time.
Your local Allied Pharmacy is one of the best places to start your quit smoking journey. Our trained pharmacists can provide free, confidential advice and support tailored to your individual needs, without the need for an appointment.
When you visit your Allied Pharmacy for stop smoking support, your pharmacist will discuss your smoking history, previous quit attempts, and any concerns you may have. They will help you choose the most suitable treatment option, whether that is NRT, a prescription medication like varenicline or cytisinicline, or a combination approach. They can also advise on e-cigarettes if you are considering vaping as a quitting aid.
Many Allied Pharmacies participate in the NHS Stop Smoking Service, offering structured programmes with regular check-ins and ongoing support. Research shows that smokers who use a combination of medication and behavioural support are up to three times more likely to quit successfully compared to those who try to quit on willpower alone.
Your pharmacist can also help with managing side effects of stop smoking medications, provide tips for handling cravings, and offer encouragement when times get tough. You do not need to face this challenge alone. Visit your nearest Allied Pharmacy today to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and with the new treatments and support available in 2026, there has never been a better time to make the change. Whether you choose prescription medication, nicotine replacement therapy, or a combination of approaches, the key is to get started and seek the right support.
Your Allied Pharmacy team is ready to help you every step of the way. Pop into your local branch for a confidential chat with one of our pharmacists, and together we can create a personalised quit plan that works for you. Remember, every quit attempt is a step in the right direction, and we are here to support you on your path to a healthier, smoke-free life.