Quitting smoking
A medical programme to quit smoking: assessing dependence, medication where appropriate and follow-up through the critical weeks.
Why with support
Nicotine creates a real physical dependence, and smoking is also tied to routines: coffee, breaks, driving, conversation. Trying through willpower alone works for a minority; doing it with treatment and follow-up multiplies your chances of staying smoke-free a year later several times over. If you've tried before and relapsed, you haven't failed: most people need several attempts, and each one teaches you something for the next.
What happens at the appointment
- Your level of dependence and motivation are assessed, and previous attempts are reviewed: what didn't work, and when.
- A specific quit date is set, not a vague «maybe one day».
- We consider treatment: nicotine replacement therapy — patches, gum, lozenges — or prescription medication, depending on your profile and history.
- High-risk situations and alternatives are worked through, and withdrawal symptoms are explained in advance: intense in the first few days, easing after that.
- We schedule follow-up, which is what keeps the process on track.
What you gain, and how soon
Within a few weeks, coughing and exercise tolerance improve; within months, lung function and sense of smell; within years, cardiovascular risk approaches that of someone who's never smoked. In people who already have COPD or asthma, quitting smoking is simply the most effective treatment available.
And if you relapse
You come back to the clinic and the plan is adjusted. One cigarette doesn't erase a smoke-free month: what causes harm is giving up on the attempt. There's no lecture here, just a method.
Frequently asked questions
Does going to a stop-smoking clinic really help?
Yes: doing it with treatment and follow-up multiplies several times over the chances of still being smoke-free at one year compared with trying alone. Your dependence is measured, a specific quit date is set, treatment is assessed and high-risk situations are worked on.
I have relapsed before, is it worth trying again?
Yes. The average is several attempts, and each one teaches something for the next. Relapsing does not wipe out what you achieved: what does harm is giving up on the attempt. In the consultation we review what went wrong and when, and adjust the plan from there.
How long does it take to notice the improvement?
Within a few weeks your cough and exercise capacity improve; within months, lung function and your sense of smell; within years, cardiovascular risk approaches that of someone who has never smoked. In people who already have COPD or asthma, stopping smoking is the most effective treatment there is.
What happens when someone quits smoking abruptly?
In the first few days you get anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite and intense cravings, peaking in the first week; after that it eases off. With treatment —replacement therapy or medication— those symptoms are greatly reduced, which is why it is worth planning it with your doctor.
When do the benefits of quitting smoking start to show?
Very soon: within hours carbon monoxide levels improve, within weeks your cough and your capacity for exertion improve, within months lung function and your sense of smell, and over the years cardiovascular risk approaches that of someone who has never smoked. It is never too late, not even when disease is already established.