Skip to main content

Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good

When you quit smoking, good things start to happen. You'll begin to see almost immediate improvements to your health.

It's never too late to quit and it's easier to stop smoking with the right support. Why not start by downloading the free NHS Quit Smoking app to track your progress and get daily motivation?

You don't need to imagine a life without smoking, you can live it!

Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app

Use the NHS Quit Smoking app this 2025 to help you quit smoking and start breathing more easily.

The app allows you to:

  • track your progress
  • see how much you're saving
  • get daily support
  • get inspired by others

Once you reach 28 days smoke-free, you're much more likely to quit for good!

Create a Personal Quit Plan

Don't know where to start? Answer a few simple questions to get a Personalised Quit Plan, designed to support you every step of the way. With tailored advice and practical tips, this plan gives you the tools to quit smoking and stay smoke free for good.

Help others quit

Whether you're helping a friend quit smoking or supporting a young person to stop vaping, you can make all the difference. Find out what they need during this big change in their life.

What happens when you quit?

The sooner you quit, the sooner you'll notice changes to your body and health. Look at what happens when you quit for good.

After 20 minutes

Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal.

After 8 hours

Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.

After 48 hours

Your carbon monoxide levels have dropped to that of a non-smoker. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.

After 72 hours

If you notice that breathing feels easier, it's because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.

After 2 to 12 weeks

Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.

After 3 to 9 months

Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%.

After 1 year

Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker's.

After 10 years

More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker's.

Real-life stories from people who have quit smoking

Story 1 from an ex-smoker

I smoked for over 25 years, and it wasn't easy breaking the habit. But what worked was choosing a quit date and getting help from my local Stop Smoking Service. I don’t have cravings anymore and will never put a cigarette in my mouth again.

Stevie

Story 2 from an ex-smoker

I used lozenges to help with cravings. However, when I’m around smokers I use a vape. This helped me quit for good. The NHS Quit Smoking app also helped. It shows the massive financial savings made. I’m totally confident that I have no need to smoke ever again.

Maria

Story 3 from an ex-smoker

The NHS Quit Smoking app really helped me. I liked seeing my progress. Recording my goals and reading other people’s stories kept me motivated. The daily health achievements made me feel proud. It was great to see how much money I saved too.

Heather

Ready to quit smoking?

It's never too late to quit. Imagine a healthier body, a calmer mind and more money in your pocket. Quitting is one of the best choices you can make for yourself. You can do this!

Help us improve this page!

Was this content helpful? Answer a few quick questions to help us make it better.

Answer our short survey