Smoking causes on average 6000 deaths each year and is a major risk factor in many other conditions. For the health benefits alone anyone should be encouraged to attempt to stop no matter how long they have smoked.
It is not an easy task and there is evidence that assistance from a healthcare professional increases the chance of success. There are a large variety of products available from both G.P. and Pharmacist to assist in coping with cessation.

Recently many products have been devised to help people give up smoking, which are based on recognising the problem of nicotine dependence. They aim to provide enough nicotine to the system and implement a gradual reduction, so enabling the person to break the habit. The methods of delivery are by chewing gum, microtabs, inhalers or patches.

www.giveupsmoking.ie       Help & advice from the HSE

www.irishhealth.com/article.html?con=296  Information from Irish Health.com