Sleep

Never smoking is undoubtedly one of the best most sensible health choices you can make so giving up smoking if you are is really good idea for your health. It might seem hard, but with the right help, it can be easier. There are many ways to get that help.

Even if you tried to stop before and it didn't work, that's okay. You can still do it. What you learned from before can help you quit smoking for good.

Smoking traditional cigarettes can be harmful to everyone's health. The chemicals in cigarettes can damage your lungs and make it harder to breathe, which might affect your ability to do activities you enjoy. Smoking can also increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and cancer, which could impact your overall quality of life.

Vaping, which involves inhaling vapor from electronic devices, might seem like a safer alternative to smoking. However, it's essential to recognise that vaping still carries risks, especially for people with SEND. The chemicals in vaping liquids can still harm your lungs and affect your body in different ways. Some vaping products also contain nicotine, which is addictive and can have negative effects on your health, including your ability to concentrate and stay focused.

Smoking, Vaping and Culture.

Why do people choose to smoke or vape?

The reasons why someone may choose to start smoking will be different for everyone but there are some common issues that may make it more likely that a person may be more likely to take up smoking cigarettes.

  • Living with other people who smoke

  • easy access to cigarettes

  • hanging round with other people who smoke

  • depictions of smoking on TV, film and other media.

It is estimated that young people who live with parents and siblings who smoke are three times more likely to become smokers themselves.

Managing Pressure from Peers

It can be difficult to say no to your friends especially when they are smoking or vaping.

Here are a few tips to help you stay nicotine free.

  • Try to prepare yourself. Think about how you will respond if you are offered drugs so you will know what to say.

  • Surround yourself with people who you trust. Friends should understand and respect you for saying no. Think about who is offering you the cigarettes and why. If they are your friends they should understand and respect you for saying no. People who you don't know may also expect something in return.

  • Say ‘no’ firmly but clearly and without making a big deal about it. If they try to persuade you, don’t’ feel like you have to change your mind.

    If you think you would find it hard to say no to your friends if you were offered cigarettes by them. Take a step back and think about whether it is time to find some new people to hang around with.

Why Is Nicotine So Addictive?

Counterfeit Cigarettes?

Counterfeit cigarettes are cigarettes that are produced and sold illegally on the black market. The issue with counterfeit cigarettes is not just that buying and selling them is illegal and could land you in trouble but as they are produced outside of regulation the are no guarantees about the quality of the product and it is not unusual that substances regularly found in the these cigarettes pose a increase the potential danger to your health.

It’s important to know that cigarettes are one of the only substances sold that when used as guided will lead to health problems and in some cases leads to serious illness and death.

Counterfeit cigarettes increase the likelihood of negative health effects related to smoking.

Get Help to Stop Smoking

A Better Life Wirral is a smoking cessation service run by ABL Health, as part of the service we manage in cooperation with Wirral Council

If you – or someone you care about – live or work in Wirral and want to stop smoking, we can help. You can speak to your GP about our service or contact us directly.

We work locally with the NHS to provide all the advice, support and therapy you need to help you break the habit, and most people who come to us manage to give up within 12 weeks – for good.

There are no waiting times, our service is FREE (including your nicotine replacement therapy) and you can even refer yourself.

Call Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm

Telephone: 0151 541 5656

Or text ABL to 60777 (texts are free - you do not need credit)

Begin your journey to a smokefree you today. 

Our Stop Smoking Service helps individuals quit smoking for good. Our aim is to support you in understanding why you smoke, to identify and manage your cravings and offer advice around relapse prevention. Our evidence-based 12 week programme offers flexible support, tailored to each person’s needs. Every year we help over 1500 to stop smoking.

We have lots of experience working with pregnant women, young people, and people with long-term medical and/or mental health conditions.

Our dedicated and friendly advisors can support anyone who lives or works in The Wirral and offer a range of free of one-to-one and drop in sessions. Self-help, telephone and online support is also available.

We provide FREE access to a range of nicotine replacement products and stop smoking medication to help you with your quit.

Our service is available to anyone who lives or works in The Wirral.