GMFA’s Matthew Hodson gives his Top 10 Tips on how to quit cigarettes.

Gay men are more likely to start smoking earlier, and to carry on smoking for longer, than our heterosexual brothers. About 40% of gay men smoke, compared to 23% of heterosexual guys.

Most people who smoke want to stop, but quitting can be tough, so here are some tips to help you stub out that bad habit for good.

1. Think about your reasons for quitting

There are lots of good reasons for stopping smoking: your health, your finances, the state of your teeth, the smell etc. Focus on what motivates you to quit.

2. Set a quit date

Make it a day when you don’t have any parties to go to, or work or family-related stress to deal with. Give yourself the opportunity to seek support and prepare for a positive change.

3. Avoid smoking situations

If you know that you always smoke when you drink, or when you hang out with certain friends, avoid those situations, at least until you’ve got over the cravings.

4. Join a GMFA quit group

I myself did GMFA’s stop smoking course and managed to end a 20 year (ouch!) habit. Our course is rated “excellent” by the NHS, and has a higher-than-average success rate. Plus you get to quit in the company of other gay men, which can make it that much more interesting… If that doesn’t appeal, there are plenty of mixed sexuality groups too. Your GP will be able to tell you where to find one.

5. Replace the nicotine

It’s the nicotine that makes smoking so addictive, but the nicotine itself isn’t harmful. Using patches, gum or one of the other nicotine replacement solutions can help you get through the withdrawal.

6. Try drugs

No, not that kind, that won’t help. You can get Champix or Zyban on prescription and both of these have high success rates in helping people to quit.

7. Get support

Tell people that you’ve stopped and ask them to support you. It can make all the difference - and they’ll understand when you’re cranky.

8. Think of yourself as a non-smoker

So long as you think of yourself as a smoker, you’re likely to fail. Rid your house of all your smoking junk: ashtrays, lighters etc. And imagine yourself in 10 years time - as a happier, healthier non-smoker.

9. Keep at it

If you slip up and have a cigarette, or even a pack, don’t give up. If you learn from the experience rather than feeling bad, you're less likely to slip up again.

10. No really, keep at it

If you’ve fallen right back into your old habit, take time to think and, when you’re sure you’re committed to giving up again, choose a new quit date. Consider using a different strategy: if you didn’t access any support, go on a course; if you tried patches, try Champix. The more you try, the more likely you are to succeed. Don’t quit on quitting.

To book yourself on a GMFA stop smoking course, call 020 7738 3712 or visit www.gmfa.org.uk/quit. For more information and advice about quitting visit www.gmfa.org.uk/quitsmoking.

Adrian Gillan