Lincolnshire Council Offers E-Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation Program

Starting this month, the health and lifestyle services commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council will offer electronic cigarettes as an additional option for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during their 12-week "Smokefree" program for those aged 18 and above.

Since its establishment in 2019, One You Lincolnshire has successfully aided over 7,500 individuals in quitting smoking throughout the county.

In 2021, an NHS review found that individuals who quit smoking using e-cigarettes and received face-to-face expert support had double the likelihood of success compared to those who used other nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum.

According to One You, current research and guidelines indicate that the harm from e-cigarettes is 95% less than from smoking traditional cigarettes. The latest review from OHID found that "compared to smoking, e-cigarette exposure to harmful substances is significantly reduced, as indicated by biomarkers associated with cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular disease risks.

Theresa Shortland, head of Lincolnshire Stop Smoking, stated that according to data from the UK public health sector, approximately 60% of smokers want to quit, with 10% intending to do so within three months. It is estimated that around 16% of adults in Lincolnshire currently smoke, meaning there could be as many as 59,000 smokers in the county who want to quit.

Currently, despite it being the least effective method, about half of smokers in the UK attempt to quit smoking through sheer willpower alone. This 12-week program offers residents of Lincolnshire an excellent opportunity for successful smoking cessation.

Electronic cigarettes are an excellent tool for smokers over the age of 18 to quit smoking. We offer free electronic cigarettes and e-liquids throughout a 12-week support program to help clients gradually reduce their cravings for nicotine and lower the strength of nicotine found in cigarettes. By reducing the nicotine strength/content in the e-liquid over the 12-week program, nicotine addiction and smoker's cravings can be decreased, which can prevent relapse if not controlled. There are three nicotine strength e-liquids available in five different flavors to meet all client preferences. Electronic cigarettes can be used in combination with nicotine patches to fight nicotine withdrawal.

One You Lincolnshire offers a range of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products including gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers, oral and nasal sprays, as well as support with quitting or cutting down on smoking. This free service is available to Lincolnshire residents aged 12 and over, with those under the age of 16 requiring parental consent. Personalized NRT options based on age and preferences are provided. Electronic cigarettes and some NRT products are only suitable for individuals aged 18 and over.

2FIRSTS will continue to provide coverage of this topic, with updates available on the '2FIRSTS APP'. Scan the QR code below to download the app.