PATCH PROGRAMME - LloydsPharmacy

• Lie down and tighten the muscles hard, starting with
your toes. Tighten them for a few seconds then relax.
Do this for each muscle in your body in turn, working
up from your toes to your legs, bottom, back, chest,
arms, hands, shoulders, neck and head. End by
screwing up your face, holding for a count of 3 then
relaxing. If you still feel tense do the whole exercise
again.
Join a self-help group It's always more fun doing
things with other people. So you might like to join a local
'stop smoking' group. Your doctor may have organised
one at the surgery, or you may be able to find details of
other groups from the Citizens' Advice Bureau. If there
isn't a group in your area, you could start your own. The
advantages of these self-help groups is that you will
have the support and encouragement of people who
understand you. And going to regular
meetings will make you more
determined to
succeed.
What to do in a crisis
Of course there are still going to be days when
everything goes wrong, you feel down in the dumps,
the whole world seems to be against you and all you
want is a cigarette. But before you give in, take out the
advice line card you get with this pack, and call the phone
number on it. The advice line will give you support and
encouragement. Carry the card with you at all times and
phone whenever you need to - it really can help!
Don't give up if you stray from the straight and narrow
If temptation gets the better of you and you have a
cigarette, don't give up. Instead, think about why you had a
cigarette and work out what you could do if you get into the
same situation again. Next time you won't be caught out,
because you will be ready with a plan. Start again
straightaway and take it one day at a time.
However, if you find that you really can't stop smoking, you
should stop using your patches.
Don't despair, it might be better to wait until you are more
determined to succeed then try again. But don't let
that be a way out. You've decided to give up, so stick with it.
31