Q What is the best way to stop smoking and what is available on prescription?

A I've always thought that the best way to stop smoking is to stop buying cigarettes because money seems to be the way to motivate people these days.

But there are all sorts of health benefits that go with stopping smoking.

There are many forms of help available, but the main factor in deciding if they will work is how serious the individual is about becoming a non-smoker.

Nicotine replacement is important for the truly nicotine addicted and this can take the form of patches, gum, lozenges or inhalators.

The inhalators have the added benefit of giving the ex-smoker something to put in the mouth which is often important and reflected by the fact that many people eat much more when they've stopped smoking - there's an oral craving involved.

The new medication zyban is often successful but not always without side effects and not everyone can use it.

I recommend hypnotherapy and also the Allen Carr method - both very successful strategies.

Acupuncture can also work.

York is very well served by stop-smoking clinics which your doctor can send you to and the walk-in centre can help too. All these can help bolster your will-power which you must believe in.

Good luck.

Quitline: 0800 002200.

Updated: 09:53 Monday, January 28, 2002