Your stop smoking advisor
Smoking cessation advisors are there to help you to stop smoking for good. With their help and support, together with the right stop smoking medication, you will be giving yourself the best chance of stopping.
They'll work with you during a series of planned sessions. In these discussions you'll talk about setting a quit date and how to take smoking out of your daily routine.
Skills and experience
Smoking cessation advisors have received specialist training. They're experienced in helping people to stop smoking. Your smoking cessation advisor will use their skills to support and motivate you, alongside their knowledge of stop smoking medication, to increase your chances of stopping successfully.
What you can expect
You can expect your smoking cessation advisor to be friendly, non-judgmental and encouraging. They are there to work with you.
Your first session will take place at least 1 week before you set your quit date. This gives you and your advisor a chance to discuss your smoking and to talk about what options will work best for you. They can tailor your quit plan to include medication (if appropriate) and useful coping strategies.
Usually, you'll have at least 1 pre-quit session and at least 4 post-quit sessions. This can include 1 to 1 support as well as group sessions where you'll also get the support of other people in the same situation as you.
In your following sessions, your advisor will:
- check on your progress
- provide encouragement
- advise you on next steps
- motivate you to quit and stay quit
Keeping track of progress
Each time you meet with your smoking cessation advisor they'll measure your carbon monoxide readings. This helps to show you the positive effects that stopping smoking is having on your body. Once you've stopped, you won't be without support. Your advisor will check that you're still a non-smoker, 1 month and 3 months after your quit date.
Quit Your Way Scotland
Contact Quit Your Way Scotland to find a stop smoking advisor near you.
Source: Health Scotland