Smoking/Vaping

Overview:

Whilst smoking cigarettes in the UK has been steadily decreasing since the 1970’s, there are still 1 in 8 people who smoke, and that’s just cigarettes.

We can’t forget the vaping epidemic. Vaping has become increasingly popular due to the perceived “safety” and “stylish” appeal of vapes.

However, the reality of vaping is far from positive, with consequences ranging from nicotine addiction, exposure to toxins, and developing bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung).

The long-term health effects of vaping are still unknown, which is perhaps the most concerning thing of all. On a surface level, vaping may seem less harmful than smoking cigarettes but it is still harmful. Not to mention expensive.

Quitting smoking or vaping will not only improve your health but it will also improve your finances and your quality of life. According to a recent Government survey, 95% of ex-smokers see positive changes soon after quitting.

Whether it be cigarettes or vaping, you have everything to gain from quitting and nothing to lose.

Facts:

According to recent statistics on UK adults:

  • About 40% of vapers are dual users, meaning they both vape and smoke.

  • Smoking damages nearly every organ system in the body and is a major preventable cause of death and disability.

  • Smoking is one of the leading cause of cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses.

  • Smoking is the leading cause of premature, preventable death globally.

Smoking Health Risks:

  • Cancer: Smoking is a leading cause of a wide range of cancers: lung, bladder, kidney, throat, mouth, pancreas, stomach, and cervix.

  • Respiratory Disease: Smoking is the primary cause of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These diseases cause breathing difficulties. Smoking exacerbates asthma and increases the risk of pneumonia and tuberculosis.

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Smoking damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Smoking also contributes to high blood pressure and the buildup of plaque in arteries which further hinders blood flow.

  • Reproductive Health: Smoking negatively impacts fertility in both men and women. Pregnant smokers have a higher risk of complications.

  • Brain: Smoking increases the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.

  • Digestive System: Smoking can lead to heartburn, ulcers as well as an increased risk of Crohn's disease and pancreatitis.

  • Oral Health: Smoking causes tooth loss, gum disease, and bad breath.

  • Vision: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other vision problems.

  • Appearance: Smoking prematurely ages the skin, causes yellowing of fingers and teeth, and negatively impacts hair growth.

Vaping Health Risks:

  • Cancer: Some chemicals found in e-cigarettes and vapes have been linked to cancer.

  • Respiratory Problems: Vaping causes lung irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, and can potentially lead to more serious conditions like pulmonary fibrosis. EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use Associated Lung Injury): This severe lung condition has been linked to vaping, particularly when THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is involved. 

     

  • Cardiovascular Issues: Vaping increases blood pressure, heart rate, and the risk of heart attacks.

  • Addiction: vapes contain Nicotine which is a highly addictive chemical. Withdrawal symptoms include mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety.

  • Brain Development: Nicotine exposure can negatively affect brain development and functioning, impacting memory, concentration, and self-control.

  • Harmful Chemicals: Vaping exposes users to various toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and flavourings like diacetyl which is harmful to lungs.

  • Increased Risk of Smoking: Research indicates that young people who vape are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes.

  • Secondhand Exposure: Bystanders can also be exposed to harmful chemicals from vape and e-cigarette vapor. 

  • Other Side Effects: Vaping causes coughing, dry mouth, and throat irritation. 

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Science:

Nicotine activates acetylcholine receptors in the brain's reward centre, triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and addiction. This cycle of release and withdrawal is what makes nicotine so addictive. 

Nicotine can interfere with the brain's reward pathways, making it more difficult to experience pleasure from natural rewards and increasing cravings for nicotine.

Smoking/vaping can disrupt the functional connectivity between different brain networks, potentially leading to impaired attention, difficulties with decision-making, and reduced cognitive flexibility. 

Studies suggest a link between smoking/vaping and increased anxiety and depression.

How hypnotherapy can help:

You will be guided into the hypnotic state where you will experience deep relaxation, heightened suggestibility and focused attention.

Your true desire to live a smoke/vape free life will be strengthened by positive suggestions. Any negative thought patterns associated with smoking/vaping will be eliminated, and will instead be replaced with healthier alternatives.

Some of the techniques we will use include:

  • Reviewing your smoking/vaping history, tackling the root cause.

  • Discussing your reasons for smoking/vaping and most importantly your reasons for quitting.

  • Reframing your smoking/vaping narrative.

  • Identifying your specific smoking/vaping triggers, learning how to manage and eliminate them.

  • Completing practical exercises including creating a smoking/vaping timetable.

  • Exploring the health risks associated with continuing to smoke/vape.

  • Exploring the specific benefits that you will enjoy living a smoke/vape free life.

  • Discussing your support networks and potential saboteurs.

  • Reframing, affirmations and positive thinking to replace negative thoughts with more constructive ones.

  • Ego-strengthening to lift your mood and build a positive sense of self.

  • Deep and blissful relaxation to create a state of suggestibility and focused concentration.

  • Addressing the psychological aspects of addiction.

  • Revisiting specific memories in order to re-code a new response. 

  • Age progression and future mapping enabling you to consolidate your new response. 

  • Direct suggestions, leveraging your neuroplasticity and encouraging the formation of new neural pathways which is vital for long-lasting change.

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Transformation in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Discovery Call

20 minutes - Free

2. Initial Consultation

60 minutes - £25

3. Hypnotherapy Session

60 minutes - £85

Testimonials

Jo

“I had a Hypnotherapy session with Gemma to quit smoking. Gemma was professional throughout, discussing her ethical boundaries with me and quickly established a good rapport. She explained how the session would work creating a comfortable environment. I was unsure what to expect, as I haven't done anything like this before, but I have been smoke and vape free since the session and haven't felt the need to do so. Gemma did a great job and I'd highly recommend her.”

Amanda

“Working with Gemma has been a truly transformative experience. When I first started therapy, I was overwhelmed by stress and struggling to cope. Through your compassionate and insightful approach, you helped me understand the roots of my stress and gave me practical tools to manage it effectively. What stood out most was the safe, nonjudgmental space that you created—one where I felt heard, supported, and empowered to make real changes. Thank you for helping me to regain a sense of clarity, calm, and confidence in facing daily challenges. I’m incredibly grateful for your support and would highly recommend Gemma to anyone navigating stress or seeking mental wellness.”

Genevieve

“Managing and running my own business results in me having a lot of stress and coping with a huge amount of other people’s stresses too. I contacted Gemma about hypnotherapy and whether she thought that may help. I was really impressed with her personal and professional manner throughout our first meeting, instantly grasping what industry I worked in and showing empathy for the areas of life that I found most stressful. Gemma’s thorough initial information gathering was evident throughout our four sessions, demonstrating her attentive listening and accurate understanding of my situation, thoughts, and feelings. Even now in times of stress I still mentally use the green shiny pebble in my pocket creating space and allowing me to breath and realign my thoughts. I would highly recommend Gemma for any hypnotherapy sessions that you may be thinking about.”

Simran

“I had the privilege of participating in hypnotherapy sessions with Gemma to help me manage stress and the experience truly exceeded my expectations. From the first session, she created a warm, professional, and safe environment that immediately put me at ease. Gemma listened with empathy and tailored each session to address the root causes of my stress. She exhibited outstanding expertise, perceptiveness, and attentiveness throughout the process. Through gentle and effective techniques, she helped me access a deeper sense of calm and control that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I noticed a significant change in my emotional state and my ability to handle daily pressures more easily and resiliently. What impressed me most was her genuine care and commitment. She clearly wanted the best for me and took the time to ensure each session was meaningful and impactful. I wholeheartedly recommend Gemma to anyone struggling with stress or looking for a more balanced, peaceful approach to life. This experience has been a turning point, and I’m genuinely grateful. Thank you, Gemma!!”

Holly

“Gemma was brilliant, from the moment I stepped into the room she made me feel calm and at ease. Any questions I had were answered clearly and she listened carefully and compassionately to me throughout our work together. I can safely say that if you put your all into therapy, you get a whole lot more out of it than you will ever have expected. Thank you Gemma.”

Ryan

“It was a pleasurable and relaxing experience having hypnotherapy. Gemma is very attentive, professional and engaging.”