Benefits of stopping smoking

Quitting smoking is not just about avoiding the negative effects of tobacco - it is about embracing a healthier, happier you. Every milestone in quitting smoking is a step toward a brighter, healthier future.

Whether it is the immediate drop in blood pressure or the long-term reduced risk of heart disease, each benefit adds to the overall improvement of your life. Plus, consider the financial savings - money that can be better spent on enriching experiences and goals.

Immediate benefits

Within 20 minutes, your blood pressure and heart rate drop.

Within 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood normalise.

Within 2 weeks to 3 months, circulation improves, lung function increases and the risk of a heart attack begins to decrease.

Within 1 to 9 months, coughing and shortness of breath will decrease.

Long-term benefits

After 1 year, the risk of heart disease is halved compared to a smoker.

In 2 to 5 years, your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus and bladder is halved. Your risk of a stroke drops to that of a non-smoker.

In 10 years, risk of death from lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.

After 15 years of quitting smoking, your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker.

Stopping smoking and the impact on pregnancy  

Stopping smoking during pregnancy is the most effective way of ensuring your child has the best start in life. Although it can be tough to stop smoking, there is plenty of help available across Northamptonshire.

Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, many of which can prevent your baby from growing properly. These chemicals increase their risk of developing significant health problems.

The benefits of stopping smoking in pregnancy include:

• a reduced risk of complications in pregnancy and birth
• a reduced risk of stillbirth
• your baby is less likely to be born too early and have to face the additional breathing, feeding and health problems that often go with being premature
• an increased likelihood of having a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby
• a reduced risk of your baby being born underweight
• a reduced risk of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome 

Saving money when you stop smoking  

Stopping smoking can reduce your financial burden. You will be able to save money that would have been spent on cigarettes.

Research by Public Health England shows that on average, smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco. This means they could have around £2,000 more to spend a year by quitting.  

Assuming a pack of cigarettes costs £12 to £14, and you were to quit smoking 20 cigarettes a day, here is what you could potentially save:

Not only will you save money on tobacco, but you will also save money on things like:

• cigarette lighters
• lighter fluid
• trips to the dentist
• the cost of replacing any furniture or clothing that smells of smoke

To work out how much you could save per year once you quit smoking use the Nicorette savings calculator.

Other benefits of quitting smoking

When you quit smoking, your sense of taste and smell improves, allowing you to enjoy food more.

Your energy levels will increase, making it easier to participate in physical activities.

You will have better skin, from reduced wrinkles to a brighter complexion.

Quitting smoking can lead to stronger bones, which reduces your risk of fractures.

Stopping smoking can improve your mental health just as much as your physical health. Your stress and anxiety levels will decrease.

Stopping smoking reduces the risk of cancers such as cancers of the stomach, liver, cervix, colon, and rectum. Your risk of respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia will also reduce.

Stopping smoking improves fertility for both men and women.

What happens next

Ready to take the first step? Your journey to a smoke-free life starts now, and the benefits are just around the corner.

Find out about our free stop smoking service.

Last updated 29 January 2025