Quit smoking
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health.
When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair and you will be able to breathe easier. There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately.
It’s never too late to quit. Let’s do this!
20 mins
Your pulse and heart rate drops as soon as you’ve finished your last cigarette. Your blood pressure starts to return to normal.
12 hours
Your body flushes the carbon monoxide found in cigarettes from your body. Levels return to normal and your oxygen levels increase.
1 day
As your blood pressure drops your circulation improves. You’ve already reduced your risk of heart disease from high blood pressure caused by smoking.
1 month
As your lungs heal you may notice less coughing and shortness of breath. You could also find it easier to do exercise
9 months
By this time, your lungs will have significantly healed. Cilia (like small hairs) inside your lungs will have recovered from the effects of cigarette smoke.
1 year
When you’ve quit smoking for a year. Your risk of coronary heart disease will half. It will continue to decrease too.
If you smoke 10 cigarettes a day here are the savings you could make.
What to expect at a local stop smoking service
Developed by experts and ex-smokers and delivered by professionals, local Stop Smoking Services provide free expert advice, support and encouragement to help you stop smoking for good.
Trained advisers are on hand to offer you support, either one to one or in a group, along with stop smoking medicines. The sessions can be done via phone or video call if you cannot attend in person.
You’re three times as likely to stop smoking successfully with support from your local Stop Smoking Service.
Call us or find your local stop smoking service to find out how you can get a plan personalised to you.
Download the NHS Quit Smoking App
The NHS Smokefree app can help you stop smoking by providing daily support and motivation. If you stay smokefree for the 4-week programme you’re up to 5 times more likely to quit for good.
