What happens after I quit? 

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Quitting smoking is difficult, from cravings to withdrawal symptoms the path to success is not always easy. However, the benefits to stopping smoking far outweigh carrying on. Here is a guide as to what to expect when you finally quit.

1. Start the journey towards a healthier you!

The moment you have your last cigarette, your body begins to heal itself within a matter of hours. To see the full timeline of health benefits from quitting smoking read our Health timeline of what quitting means to your body blog.

2. Begin saving

Think about how many packs of cigarettes you buy a week. With each pack now costing somewhere between £10 and £15, you could start putting away a lot more into your savings rather than letting it burn through your pocket (literally).  To get a better understanding of how much money you are currently spending on your cigarettes, use Nicorette’s saving calculator here.

3. Look and feel younger

Your skin, teeth and nails are all affected by smoking. Skin ages prematurely, and teeth and nails both discolour and stain. Quitting allows your skin to be better nourished with oxygen and vital nutrients, brightening up your complexion and improving the natural elasticity of the skin. It will also leave you with fresher breath, a healthier smile and reduce your risk of gum disease.

4. Make mistakes

Relapse is very common with quit attempts, after all nicotine is very addictive. Don’t be disheartened by having a cigarette, you are part of the 75% of quitters who relapse at some point in their journey. Stay positive and learn from your mistake, planning ahead to avoid it happening again. Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy, speaking to your pharmacist or GP and attending a local smoking cessation service can all help in your next attempt.

5. Get prepared for withdrawal

It is normal to experience symptoms of withdrawal when quitting smoking. Nicotine is an addictive substance, affecting the hormones in your brain, reducing the amount you consume will therefore have an impact and you will experience symptoms until the brain adjusts. Symptoms may be physical, mental or emotional such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, coughing and headaches. Some symptoms may only last a day or so, but it is not uncommon for some to subside within a month.