What is done in the process of quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking is a process, not a single procedure. The approach at the practice is built on assessing the level of dependence, planning the quit day, identifying the situations that trigger relapse, and following up throughout.
The World Health Organization (opens in a new tab) reports that tobacco causes the deaths of more than 7 million people a year, and that more than 1.6 million of these are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. The same source states that, in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, more than 60% of smokers said they want to quit; the mainstay of the process is counselling and, where necessary, medication support.
How is the process carried out?
- Assessment of dependence and habit. The number of cigarettes a day, the time of the first cigarette, previous attempts to quit and the reasons for relapse are recorded.
- Medical assessment. Co-existing conditions, current medication, blood pressure, respiratory complaints and, where necessary, laboratory assessment.
- Setting the quit day. A date is agreed with the person.
- Identifying the triggers. The settings, times and situations that increase the urge to smoke are worked through.
- Discussing the support options. Counselling and, where necessary, medication support are planned together.
- Follow-up. After quitting, follow-up continues at set intervals; if there is a relapse, planning begins again.
In which patients is it planned differently?
- In patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, quitting is a priority, but the medicines that can be used are limited; the plan is managed together with obstetrics and gynaecology
- In patients with cardiovascular disease, the choice of medicine is assessed separately
- In patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, the choice and timing of medicines are assessed separately
- In patients with a psychiatric illness and in patients using psychiatric medicines, quitting may affect mood; follow-up is planned together with the relevant specialty
- In patients with a history of seizures, some medicines may not be suitable
- In patients with severe kidney or liver failure, the dose of the medicine is adjusted separately
- In patients with diabetes, the course of blood sugar is monitored after quitting
- In patients under 18 years of age, assessment lies within the field of paediatrics; this page has been prepared for adults
How long does it take, and how many consultations are needed?
The number of consultations and the follow-up interval are determined according to the person; a definite number cannot be given in advance. Quitting is usually not completed in a single consultation; follow-up continues before and after the quit day.
A relapse does not mean the process has failed. Relapse is common in attempts to quit smoking; the plan is rebuilt accordingly.
What should you do before and after the consultation?
Before the consultation, report:
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you use
- Your known conditions
- Your previous attempts to quit, and how they ended
- The number of cigarettes you smoke a day
Making a note of when you smoke over a few days helps the assessment.
After: in the first few weeks after quitting, restlessness, a change in the sleep routine, an increase in appetite and difficulty concentrating may be seen. These are related to quitting and are addressed at follow-up. Recommendations specific to you are given in writing.
Risks and points to be aware of
Withdrawal symptoms that may be seen after quitting: restlessness and irritability, difficulty concentrating, disturbance of the sleep routine, an increase in appetite and weight gain, a temporary increase in coughing, fluctuation in mood.
If medication support is used, the side effects specific to that medicine are explained separately and monitored. The physician chooses the medicine and sets the dose; do not start a medicine on your own initiative.
Report any marked change in mood. Quitting may affect mood; this requires close follow-up, particularly in people with a psychiatric illness.
The outcome cannot be predicted in advance. No success rate or percentage of outcomes can be stated; the process varies from person to person.
Weight gain may be seen. This is addressed at follow-up alongside eating and activity.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Marked low mood or restlessness
- Serious disturbance of the sleep routine
- New complaints that may be due to the medicine used
- An increase in shortness of breath
- Marked weight gain
- A relapse (the plan is drawn up again)
In the event of chest pain, severe shortness of breath, altered consciousness or thoughts of self-harm, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Can smoking be stopped in a single session?
No such outcome can be stated in advance. Quitting smoking is a process; planning the quit day, working on the triggers and the follow-up afterwards are all part of it. The World Health Organization states that counselling and medication can more than double the chance of quitting.
Do I need medication to quit smoking?
This is assessed according to your level of dependence, your previous attempts and your co-existing conditions. For some people counselling and follow-up are sufficient, while for others medication support is considered. The decision is made together at the end of the examination.
Will I gain weight when I quit smoking?
An increase in appetite and weight gain may be seen after quitting. This is addressed at follow-up alongside eating and activity. Concern about weight gain is not regarded as a reason to postpone quitting; both can be addressed within the same plan.
What happens if I start again after quitting?
Relapse is common in attempts to quit smoking and is not regarded as a failure of the process. What triggered it is discussed and the plan is rebuilt. A new quit day may be planned.
I am pregnant; can I receive support to quit smoking?
Yes, quitting is a priority in pregnancy. However, the medicines that can be used during this period are limited; the plan is made jointly with obstetrics and gynaecology. Tell us about your pregnancy at the start of the consultation.
How many follow-up appointments will I need?
A definite number cannot be given in advance. The follow-up interval is determined according to the quit day and how the process unfolds; in the first few weeks appointments may be more frequent.
Sources
- World Health Organization, Tobacco fact sheet, 26 June 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Uygulamaları Yönetmeliği, Official Gazette 28 April 2026 / 33237. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/04/20260428-2.htm (opens in a new tab)
