Stop Smoking Support
Free NHS stop smoking support runs through many UK pharmacies — regular support sessions plus nicotine products or prescribed medicines. How to start.
Many community pharmacies offer free NHS stop smoking support: a structured programme of behavioural support sessions — often running over up to 12 weeks — combined with stop smoking products. Depending on the local scheme, nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges, sprays) may be supplied free or on an NHS prescription; in England a prescribed item costs £9.90 unless you're exempt, while prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Prescription-only options such as varenicline and cytisine can be supplied where suitable via a GP or a stop smoking service prescriber. NHS guidance is clear that you're far more likely to quit successfully with structured support than with willpower alone. To find a participating pharmacy, browse our location pages at /pharmacies/locations/ or ask at any local pharmacy — and see our answer on how pharmacies help people stop smoking for more detail.
Typical cost
Free on the NHS
0 pharmacies offering stop smoking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is pharmacy stop smoking support free?▼
Yes — NHS stop smoking support delivered through pharmacies is free, including the behavioural support sessions. Nicotine products may be supplied free under local schemes or on prescription; in England the standard £9.90 prescription charge applies per item unless you're exempt, and prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What stop smoking products can I get from a pharmacy?▼
Nicotine replacement therapy in several forms — patches, gum, lozenges, inhalators, and mouth or nasal sprays — plus advice on using them properly. Prescription-only medicines such as varenicline and cytisine are available where suitable through a GP or stop smoking service prescriber.
How long does a stop smoking programme last?▼
Programmes typically run over up to 12 weeks, with regular check-ins — weekly at first — to review progress, adjust products, and keep you on track. You can usually start by simply walking into a participating pharmacy.
Do I need to see my GP before starting?▼
No — you can start directly at a participating pharmacy. You'd only need a GP or specialist prescriber involved if you want a prescription-only medicine such as varenicline or cytisine, or if you have a health condition that needs reviewing first.
Can pharmacies help if I want to quit vaping too?▼
Many stop smoking services now support people quitting vaping as well as smoking, and advisers can discuss switching from smoking to less harmful alternatives as a step towards quitting nicotine altogether. Ask your local service what they offer.