Stopping smoking is the best thing you'll ever do. Quitting can make a drastic improvement to your lifestyle and health in ways you might not expect.

HOW WILL MY HEALTH BENEFIT?

  • You will reduce your risk of developing illness, disability or death caused by cancer, heart or lung disease.

  • You will reduce your risk of gangrene or amputation caused by circulatory problems.

  • You will reduce the risk of going blind or developing cataracts.

  • You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

  • You will improve your breathing and general fitness.

  • You will enjoy the taste of food more.

  • You will protect the health of those around you by not exposing them to second-hand smoke.

HOW WILL MY LIFESTYLE IMPROVE?

  • You will save money - as much as several hundred pounds a month, if you're a heavy smoker.

  • You will no longer smell of stale tobacco.

  • The appearance of your skin and teeth will improve.

  • Your home and car will smell fresh and is likely to maintain its value for a longer time.

  • You will reduce the risk of fire in your home and may pay lower insurance premiums

MENTAL HEALTH

Quitting smoking improves your mental health – it can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress and improve positive mood and quality of life. Quitting smoking can also improve anxiety and depression as much as anti-depressants, as well as reduce the amount of anti-psychotic medications (e.g. clozapine) you need to take.

BLINDNESS

Smoking harms eye tissues, notably contributing to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, major causes of sight loss in the UK. Quitting smoking lowers the risk of AMD, as treatment options are limited, and addresses cataract risks despite treatability.

HEART DISEASE

Smoking elevates the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) by promoting the accumulation of cholesterol-based fatty deposits (atheroma) in coronary arteries. This atherosclerosis process narrows arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. Quitting smoking reduces the likelihood of developing this dangerous condition.

COPD

Smoking is the primary cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), encompassing chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and obstructive airways disease. Over 80% of COPD cases are linked to smoking, leading to irreversible damage in airway linings. Approximately 10-25% of smokers develop COPD, emphasizing the critical role of quitting for lung health.

Once you stop smoking, some of the benefits are immediate and some are longer-term. 

Smoking and your health›

Medications and nicotine replacement can double the chances of quitting smoking.

How to quit›

There’s loads of free support in City & Hackney to help you stop smoking.

Support near you›