Quitting smoking is one of the most challenging but rewarding decisions a person can make for their health. With the proper support, determination and alternative products, millions of people have successfully broken free from smoking tobacco.
Here, we celebrate the quitting smoking success rates to highlight the growing numbers of individuals in the UK who are achieving a smoke-free lifestyle and inspire you on your journey.
Quitting Smoking Success Rates
The ONS study, which began recording adult smoking habits in Great Britain in 2011, shows 2023’s remarkable progress in smoking cessation. Though there is still a high proportion of smokers between 25 and 34 years of age, the overall proportion of people who smoke who are 18 and over has fallen by 8.3% since the study began.
This downward trend highlights a positive shift, showing that more people are choosing to quit smoking due to the rise in living costs or the consequence of choosing a healthier lifestyle.
The UK government aims to achieve a smoke-free England by 2030, so there has been a growth in awareness of the dangers of smoking and an increase in the availability of support for those wishing to quit. As a result, the percentage of people who had ever smoked and had now quit increased from 69.4% in 2022 to 70.9% in 2023.
This is a clear indication of the effectiveness of stop-smoking programs, support services within the NHS and policy measures like smoking bans in public spaces and higher taxes on tobacco products. These statistics also show that quitting is not only possible but increasingly common, reinforcing the message that with the right tools and support, anyone can stop smoking.
The Role of Support Services in Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking can be an incredibly challenging process, especially given the addictive nature of nicotine. However, various support services and healthier alternative tools like nicotine patches and vapes have played a crucial role in helping people achieve long-term success in quitting smoking.
The NHS
The NHS in the UK has played a significant role in reducing smoking rates. Studies have shown that individuals who used NHS’s stop-smoking services, which include one-to-one or group sessions, are three times more likely to succeed in quitting tobacco smoking for good compared to those who tried to quit smoking without any support. This statistic shows how crucial this service is to helping tobacco smokers overcome the psychological and physical challenges associated with quitting.
Vaping
Vaping, known also as an e-cigarette, has become a popular alternative tool for many who are trying to quit tobacco smoking. Though the NHS has stated that ‘vaping is not risk-free’, It is often promoted as a less harmful option, helping individuals gradually reduce their nicotine intake without the detrimental effects of tobacco smoke.
The ONS study reveals that, as of 2023, 5.1 million adults aged 16 and over in the UK now use e-cigarettes. This marks an increase in daily users from 5.2% in 2022 to 5.9% in 2023, along with a rise in occasional users from 3.5% to 3.9% during the same period.
Many former smokers attribute their success in quitting tobacco to vaping e-liquids, as it allows them to control nicotine levels and eliminates harmful substances like tar and carbon monoxide found in traditional cigarettes. This flexibility has been pivotal for those who have successfully quit tobacco smoking for good.
Therapy
Combined with a smoking cessation medication, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been instrumental in helping many quit tobacco smoking, particularly for those who have deeply ingrained smoking habits caused by depression, anxiety or addiction. CBT has helped many individuals recognise the triggers that prompt them to smoke in the first place, allowing them to reshape their thought patterns and build healthier coping mechanisms.
This will involve breaking down problems into separate parts, such as thoughts, physical feelings, and actions. Knowing the root of the habit can make it easier for individuals to resist their cravings and manage their stress triggers without turning to traditional tobacco cigarettes for instant release.
A Bright Future for Smoking Cessation
With smoking rates at historic lows, it is clear that Government policies, such as banning smoking in public places, raising the legal smoking age and increasing taxes on cigarettes, have been contributing factors to the decline in smoking rates.
Advancements in replacement products like e-cigarettes have also helped many switch to healthier alternatives. At the same time, innovative approaches, such as therapy and customised stop-smoking plans based on genetic profiling, could revolutionise the way quitting smoking is approached in the future.
The decline in traditional smoking rates is proof that success is achievable, and with ongoing efforts, we can continue to celebrate more people leaving smoking behind for good. The key message is clear: quitting tobacco smoking saves lives, and with the support available today, there has never been a better time to quit.