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Stop smoking - the right medication, the right coaching.

A consultant-led programme that combines evidence-based medication (varenicline, nicotine replacement, bupropion) with structured behavioural coaching. Not a lecture - a plan that fits your life.

See indicative pricing
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Indicative pricing

What a private stop smoking support costs in the UK.

Indicative ranges across our partner units.

In short

£450–£900, home outpatient.

Procedure Indicative range
12-week cessation programme (bundle) £450–£900
Initial cessation consultation £200–£350
Follow-up coaching session £60–£150
Varenicline prescription (12 weeks) £90–£180
Combination NRT (12 weeks) £120–£220
Bupropion prescription (12 weeks) £75–£150

Prices vary by hospital, by the consultant, by approach, and by whether adjunct services are needed.

The problem

Willpower is not a plan.

Cessation medication triples quit rates over willpower alone, and coaching triples them again. Anything less is under-treating a real medical condition.

  • Medication does the heavy lifting

    Varenicline and combination NRT roughly triple quit rates. Coaching alone, without medication, is much less effective.

  • Weight and mood are managed, not ignored

    Weight gain and low mood in the first weeks are common. The programme plans for both - nothing is a surprise.

  • Vapes are a tool, not a plan

    Nicotine vapes help some smokers stop cigarettes. We plan how and when to step off vapes as well.

When it helps

When stop smoking support is the right step.

The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that needs urgent attention rather than a routine booking.

  • Recent cardiovascular diagnosis

    A recent heart attack, angina diagnosis or stroke - cessation is one of the strongest interventions available.

  • Planned surgery

    Stopping smoking four weeks before surgery halves complication rates. Even short quits help.

  • COPD and asthma

    Cessation slows COPD progression and improves asthma control in weeks.

  • Cancer diagnosis

    Stopping at diagnosis improves survival across most cancer types, including in cases already having treatment.

  • Pregnancy and pre-pregnancy

    NRT is safer than smoking in pregnancy. Coaching is central; varenicline and bupropion are avoided.

  • IVF and fertility

    Cessation improves natural fertility, IVF success rates and pregnancy outcomes.

  • Repeat relapsers

    Multiple previous attempts are not failure - they predict success next time with the right medication and support.

  • Red flag: acute mental health crisis

    Active suicidal thoughts or acute psychiatric crisis need same-day psychiatry, not a cessation appointment.

Options

Approach and technique both depend on the indication.

What each option involves - the surgical or clinical approach, and how it is tailored to each patient.

  • Varenicline

    Back on the UK market. The most effective single medication in most patients. Titrated over the first week.

  • Combination NRT

    A long-acting patch plus a short-acting product (gum, spray or inhalator) for cravings. Comparable to varenicline.

  • Bupropion

    An alternative in patients where varenicline is unsuitable. Care with seizures and mental health.

  • Nicotine vapes as a tool

    Regulated nicotine vapes help some smokers stop cigarettes. A stepping-off plan matters.

  • Behavioural coaching

    Cognitive-behavioural techniques, motivational interviewing and structured relapse prevention.

  • Digital support

    App reminders, urge tracking and daily check-ins between sessions.

  • Group programmes

    Weekly small-group coaching for those who prefer peer support.

  • Family and partner engagement

    Household smokers around a quitting patient are a major relapse driver. We coach the household, not the individual alone.

Safety and recovery

What to expect afterwards - honestly.

A well-established treatment. The things worth planning are the approach, the aftercare and the follow-up.

  • Varenicline side effects

    Nausea, vivid dreams and mood change are the commonest. Most settle in the first fortnight; escalations get a doctor call.

  • NRT side effects

    Skin reactions with patches, mouth soreness with gum and lozenges. Usually mild and manageable.

  • Bupropion cautions

    Small seizure risk, mental health monitoring, and drug interactions - screened before prescription.

  • Weight gain

    A few kilograms are common in the first three months. We plan diet, activity and sleep to keep it small.

  • Low mood

    Some patients feel low or irritable in the first weeks. Coaching and, occasionally, GP mental health follow-up.

  • Insomnia

    Sleep disturbance is common early on. Sleep hygiene and, if needed, adjustments to medication timing.

  • Relapse is normal

    Most successful quitters relapse at least once. Rapid re-engagement is the mark of a good programme.

  • Second-hand smoke

    Household smokers around a quitter increase relapse risk. We coach the household, not the individual alone.

  • Red flags

    New chest pain, breathlessness, severe mood change or suicidal thinking need urgent medical review - not a coaching call.

Reading your notes

Your notes in four parts. Read the last one first.

Whichever approach was used, the note the consultant sends you keeps to the same shape.

A UK consultant reviewing a patient’s notes

A quiet reminder

Clinical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.

If you would like us to talk you through the notes before your review, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Dependence and history

    Nicotine dependence score, previous quit attempts, health conditions and mental health screen.

  2. 02 Technique

    Medication and coaching plan

    The medication prescribed, dosing schedule and coaching cadence.

  3. 03 Findings

    Progress notes

    Weekly urge scores, side effects and adjustments made.

  4. 04 Impression

    12-week plan and beyond

    Read this first: the plan for the next 12 weeks and how longer-term relapse prevention will be handled.

Recognised by major UK insurers

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

Structured smoking cessation is covered by some UK insurers, particularly where linked to a cardiovascular or cancer diagnosis.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about stop smoking support.

Quick answers on suitability, technique, cost and recovery.

  • How much does private stop-smoking support cost in the UK?

    A structured 12-week programme runs £450–£900 including medication supervision and coaching. Individual consultations start at £200–£350. NHS Stop Smoking services are excellent and free - we say so plainly.

  • Is varenicline available again in the UK?

    Yes. Varenicline is back on the UK market and remains one of the most effective single medications for smoking cessation. It is titrated over the first week and used for 12 weeks in most patients.

  • Do I need to stop cold turkey?

    You do not need to. Modern practice supports cut-to-quit approaches, quit-with-vapes plans and gradual reduction with medication. The best plan is the one you will follow.

  • Will I gain weight?

    Most quitters gain 2–5 kg in the first few months. We plan diet, activity and sleep from day one, and the health benefits of quitting outweigh the weight change many times over.

  • Is NRT safe in pregnancy?

    Yes - NRT is safer than smoking in pregnancy and is the medication of choice when needed. Varenicline and bupropion are avoided. Coaching is central for pregnant smokers.

  • How successful is a proper programme?

    Twelve-week quit rates with medication plus coaching sit around 30–40 percent, with about half of those still off cigarettes at one year. That is roughly three to four times an unaided attempt.

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