Stop Smoking
Stop Smoking Support in Oxford
Woodstock Road Chemist offers a stop smoking service to support anyone who would like to quit smoking, whether you’re trying for the first time or have tried before. Our pharmacy team can talk through the options available and help you find an approach that suits you. Appointments can be booked online. If you have any questions before booking, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Why Stopping Smoking Matters
Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of ill health, contributing to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and a number of cancers. The health benefits of quitting begin quickly, with improvements to circulation and lung function noticeable within weeks, and the risk of serious illness continuing to fall the longer you stay smoke-free. Quitting can also bring everyday benefits, including improved fitness, better sleep, and reduced spending.
Who the Service Is For
Our stop smoking service is suitable for adults who smoke cigarettes, roll-ups, or other tobacco products and would like support to quit. This includes people who:
- Are motivated to quit but unsure where to start
- Have tried to quit before without lasting success
- Want advice on nicotine replacement therapy or other stop smoking aids
- Are looking for ongoing support and accountability during their quit attempt
- Have a health condition that makes quitting particularly important
How the Service Works
At your first appointment, a pharmacist will discuss your smoking history, previous quit attempts, and any health conditions or medications that may be relevant. Together, you’ll agree on a quit plan, which may include:
- Nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches, gum, lozenges, or sprays
- Prescription stop smoking medication, where appropriate and available
- Behavioural support and practical strategies for managing cravings and triggers
- A recommended quit date to work towards
Follow-up appointments are usually offered to check on progress, adjust your plan if needed, and provide ongoing encouragement, since regular support significantly improves the chances of quitting successfully.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy and Medication
Nicotine replacement therapy works by providing a controlled, lower dose of nicotine to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while you break the habit of smoking itself. Products can be used alone or in combination, for example a patch alongside gum or a spray for more immediate craving relief. Where suitable, prescription options may also be discussed. A pharmacist will help you choose a product or combination based on your smoking habits, health history, and personal preference.
Addressing Common Concerns
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about quitting, particularly if you’ve tried before, and our team is here to support you without judgement.
On nicotine replacement therapy
- Nicotine replacement therapy is considered far less harmful than continuing to smoke, since it removes the thousands of other harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke
- Products are available in a range of strengths and formats, so there’s usually an option to suit your level of dependence
- Side effects, such as mild skin irritation from patches or a tingling sensation from gum, are generally minor and manageable
If you’ve tried to quit before
- Most people who successfully quit smoking do so after several attempts, so a previous unsuccessful attempt is not a sign that quitting won’t work for you
- Reviewing what helped and what made things difficult last time can inform a more effective plan this time
- Combining support with a stop smoking aid significantly increases the likelihood of success compared to trying alone
Why professional support helps
- Regular check-ins provide accountability and a chance to adjust your plan if something isn’t working
- A pharmacist can advise on managing specific triggers, such as stress, social situations, or routine habits linked to smoking
- Support is tailored to you, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
If you have specific concerns, for example around pregnancy, an existing health condition, or previous experiences with stop smoking medication, please mention this when booking so we can tailor your appointment accordingly.
How to Book
You can book a stop smoking appointment at a time that suits you. When booking:
- Think about any previous quit attempts and what you found helpful or difficult
- Note down any medications or health conditions to discuss with the pharmacist
- Consider whether you have a rough quit date in mind, though this can also be discussed at your appointment
Additionally, call us on 01865515226 if you have any questions, or visit us at 59 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HJ.
Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial changes you can make for your long-term health, and support significantly improves your chances of success. Our pharmacy team is on hand to help you plan your quit attempt, choose the right support, and stay on track along the way.
This page is intended for general information and does not replace individual clinical advice. Service availability should be confirmed directly with Woodstock Road Chemist at the time of booking.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions we receive about smoking cessation
Some people do experience a small increase in appetite after quitting, as nicotine can suppress hunger and affect metabolism slightly. This varies a lot between individuals, and any weight gain is generally modest compared to the health benefits of quitting. A pharmacist can offer advice on managing appetite changes if this is a concern for you.
Cravings are usually most intense in the first one to two weeks after quitting and tend to become shorter and less frequent over the following weeks. Most people find that cravings pass within a few minutes if they can distract themselves or ride them out, and they generally continue to ease the longer you stay smoke-free.
Vaping is sometimes used as a stop smoking aid and can be less harmful than continuing to smoke tobacco, though it is not entirely risk-free and is not currently licensed as a medicine in the same way as nicotine replacement therapy. If you’re considering this option, it’s worth discussing it with the pharmacist so they can advise on how it might fit into your overall quit plan.
For most people, yes, though certain medications and health conditions may need to be taken into account. This is one of the reasons a full medical history is discussed at your first appointment, so the pharmacist can check for any interactions and recommend the most suitable option.
A single lapse doesn’t mean your quit attempt has failed. Many people who successfully stop smoking experience a slip at some point along the way. What matters most is getting back on track as soon as possible, and your pharmacist can help you reflect on what triggered the lapse and adjust your plan to reduce the chance of it happening again.
Quitting reduces exposure to secondhand smoke for anyone living with you, which is particularly beneficial for children, older adults, and people with existing respiratory or heart conditions. Some people also find that quitting alongside a partner, friend, or family member provides useful mutual support and accountability.