Stoptober Campaign 2026: How to Quit Smoking
Table of Contents
- What is Stoptober?
- Methods to Help You Quit Smoking During Stoptober
- The Best Way to Quit Smoking for Stoptober
- Tips for Quitting Smoking
- How Can Vaping Help You Quit Smoking?
- Choosing the Best Vape to Quit Smoking
What is Stoptober?
Stoptober is an annual campaign that aims to help smokers in England to ditch the habit during October. First launched in 2012, the campaign centres around going without smoking for 28 days, with research showing that people who reach this milestone are five times more likely to quit for good.
The Stoptober campaign aims to make quitting smoking more achievable by providing free advice, tools and support throughout the month. This includes the NHS Quit Smoking app, information on different ways to quit and access to local Stop Smoking Services.
Whether you are looking at how to quit smoking yourself or supporting someone you love in giving up, with plenty of extra support and helpful resources, Stoptober is a great time to set a date to quit the cigarettes.
Methods to Quit Smoking During Stoptober
Most smokers know that it’s the nicotine in cigarettes that gets you hooked. However, it’s also often the social and habitual act of smoking a cigarette which can make quitting harder.
Explore the boxes below to find out more about the most common ways to stop smoking.
Going Cold Turkey 
Some smokers might opt to completely cut out cigarettes without the help of any nicotine or devices.
Quitting this way can be pretty hardcore because nicotine withdrawal can cause strong cravings and other symptoms. While some people do successfully ditch the cigarettes using willpower alone, the NHS advises that there are tools and expert support you can lean on to improve your chances of quitting for good.
Nicotine Patches 
Nicotine patches are a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), that release nicotine which is then absorbed through the skin. This isn’t the fastest way to get a nicotine hit but will help to stave off cravings. They don’t, however, satisfy the habitual nature of smoking, which some smokers may struggle with.
Nicotine Gum 
Nicotine gum is a fast acting NRT that can help manage sudden cravings. The gum is chewed and then rested inside the cheek, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth and throat.
It can be used on its own or alongside a nicotine patch, with the patch providing steady support throughout the day and the gum helping when cravings strike. Some smokers may prefer this to patches as the act of chewing gives them something to do and distracts from the need to go for a smoke.
Nicotine Inhalers 
As the name suggests, these are small plastic inhalers which contain vapourised nicotine. These help with replicating the action of smoking and is absorbed mostly through the lining of the mouth and throat rather than through inhaling.
E-Cigarettes & Vaping 
E Cigarettes or vapes consist of a battery, a pod, pre-filled or refillable tank or cartridge and an atomiser; the heating element which turns the e-liquid to vapour. The tank or cartridge is filled with ‘e-liquid’, otherwise known as ‘vape juice’. E-liquid typically contains propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings and, in many cases, nicotine. You can find out more about e-liquid and its ingredients here.
Vaping devices provide a similar sensation to inhaling and exhaling smoke, producing vapour in different volumes depending on the type of device. E-liquids and refills can be purchased in a wide array of flavours and can contain a maximum of 20mg/ml of nicotine, or even no nicotine at all. The NHS advises choosing a nicotine strength that is high enough to manage cravings and using the vape regularly to help make the complete switch from smoking.
E-Cigarettes offer a wide range of options and customisation and are a popular choice for smokers who want to switch to a smoke-free product that replicates the action of smoking.
The Best Way to Stop Smoking for Stoptober
There isn’t one way to quit smoking that works best for everyone, but you don’t have to rely on willpower alone. A number of stop-smoking products and support are available to make quitting easier and improve your chances of quitting for good. Options include nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine-free medicines, vaping and local Stop Smoking Services, helping you find an approach that works for you.
If you want to take part in Stoptober 2026, head to the NHS Better Health quit smoking website for a wealth of information and tips to help you.
Think about your habits and look at the various choices available to weigh up which tools might work for you. You can always try a few different methods to see what suits you best.
Taking the steps to quit smoking is always going to take some element of self-discipline, so make sure that you get support from friends and family and really commit yourself to giving up smoking for good.
Tips to quit smoking
- One of the first things you can do is to remove all cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays and other smoking accessories that might tempt you to smoke at home, in your car or when you’re out.
- Think about when you’re most likely to want a cigarette and plan what you’ll do instead. Your triggers might include stress, alcohol, coffee, social situations or certain parts of your daily routine.
- Tell your friends and family that you’re trying to quit. This support could make the difference between you caving or making the 28 days smoke free.
- Find your local stop smoking service. This is a free service from the NHS which offers one-to-one or group support to help you quit.
- Keep track of how you’re feeling and any changes you notice as your body begins to recover after your last cigarette.
- Set aside the money you would have spent on cigarettes in a savings account or piggy bank. You’ll soon see your savings grow and money is a great motivator!
- Everyone’s experience is different when they decide it’s time to quit. Focus on becoming smoke-free and having a plan for managing your cravings rather than expecting everything to go perfectly.
How Can Vaping Help You Quit Smoking?
Vaping can be an effective way to stop smoking and is less harmful than continuing to smoke cigarettes. Nicotine vapes can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making them a viable option for smokers looking to switch from cigarettes.
If you’re considering vaping as part of your attempt for Stoptober, head to our beginners guide to vaping for step-by-step advice on getting started.
Choosing the Best Vape to Quit Smoking
Thinking of making the switch from smoking to vaping this October?
Shop some of our top recommended e-cigarette and vape starter kits for beginners below. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our types of e-cigarette & vape devices guide.
