Quitting Smoking
Resources to help you stop smoking.
點解呢個 事情
Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to improve your health, no matter how long you’ve smoked or how old you are. Within days of quitting, your body begins to repair itself, and your risk of smoking-related diseases starts to decline.
Health Benefits of Quitting
What happens to your body after you quit:
Within 20 minutes
Your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop to healthier levels.
Within 24 hours
Carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal, improving oxygen delivery to your organs.
Within 1 year
Your risk of heart disease drops to about half that of a continuing smoker.
Within 5-10 years
Risk of stroke falls to that of a non-smoker. Risk of lung cancer drops by half.
Long-term benefits
Improved lung function, reduced COPD progression, better circulation, reduced risk of many cancers and heart disease.
How to Quit Successfully
Evidence-based strategies that increase your chances of success:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, or nasal sprays that deliver controlled doses of nicotine to reduce cravings. Available over-the-counter or by prescription.
CDC
Prescription medications
Medications like varenicline (Chantix) or bupropion (Zyban) can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Discuss with your doctor.
NHS
Counselling and support groups
Individual counselling, group therapy, or telephone quitlines can double or triple your chances of quitting successfully.
American Lung Association
Set a quit date
Choose a specific date to quit, tell friends and family, remove cigarettes from your environment, and prepare for triggers.
Watch: Quitting Smoking
Trusted videos on quitting strategies and programmes:
CDC — Tips From Former Smokers: Don’t Quit Quitting
Focuses on persistence, counselling and treatment when trying to quit.
American Lung Association — Quit Smoking for Good with Freedom From Smoking®
Introduces the American Lung Association’s structured smoking-cessation programme.
Community Resources (Hong Kong)
Free local support for quitting smoking:
Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office — Quitline
Call 1833 183 for free smoking cessation counselling, support, and information about nicotine replacement therapy.
Hospital Authority Smoking Cessation Clinics
Free or low-cost smoking cessation services, including counselling and medication, available at public hospitals across Hong Kong.
District Health Centres & DHC Expresses
Offer health talks and individual support for smoking cessation as part of their chronic disease prevention programmes.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Smoking & Tobacco Use — Quit Smoking.
- American Lung Association. Freedom From Smoking® Programme.
- NHS. Stop Smoking Treatments.
- Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Department of Health, Hong Kong. Smoking Cessation Services.
This page provides general health information based on published guidelines and resources and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Quitting smoking may cause withdrawal symptoms; consult a healthcare professional for support and treatment options.
對你嘅結果有任何疑問？
Your care team can help you understand what this means for you specifically, and can point you to the right local resources.
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