Support for stopping smoking

Tobacco creates fierce physical dependence because every puff stimulates the brain’s nicotinic receptors almost instantly. This chemical dependence combines with psychological dependence, in which cigarettes regulate stress or boredom, and behavioural dependence, involving automatic habits associated with coffee, telephone calls or work breaks. Successful cessation requires addressing all three at once.

The first consultation assesses dependence using the Fagerström test, measures exhaled carbon monoxide with a CO monitor and explores the smoker’s motivations and concerns, including withdrawal, irritability and weight gain. The practitioner identifies the causes of any previous relapses to devise a robust, personalised prevention strategy.

The tobacco cessation specialist calculates the optimal dose of nicotine replacement, combining patches that release nicotine continuously over 24 hours with fast-acting oral forms such as gum or lozenges during peaks of craving, to eliminate withdrawal symptoms entirely without creating residual dependence. They teach breathing and cognitive distraction techniques to defuse automatic urges in less than three minutes.

Regular consultations support a systematic reduction in doses until withdrawal is complete. Follow-up allows dietary adjustments, weight stabilisation and healthier ways of managing stress, while celebrating the striking improvements in heart and lung function felt from the first smoke-free weeks.

Smoking cessation rests on restructuring everyday habits: learning to enjoy social occasions without smoking, changing break-time routines and celebrating each milestone. The practitioner recalls the rapid gains in blood pressure, taste, smell and physical endurance to strengthen motivation.