The Smokefree Formula. A Revolutionary Way to Stop Smoking Now

Robert West is one of the leading experts on tobacco dependence treatment. In this book he draws together his own research with findings from colleagues in the field of tobacco addiction to create a formula for stopping smoking. The book is aimed at smokers and the authors respect the reader as an expert in their own addiction. It is organised in two parts. Part One is about the science of stopping smoking. It explains in detailed and accessible language why people smoke, how addiction to nicotine develops and why some smokers find it hard to stop. Part One enables the smoker “to know your enemy”. In Part Two, a list of 29 “ingredients” to help the smoker stop are presented. Ingredients include nicotine replacement therapy, and other licensed pharmacotherapy, electronic cigarettes, specialist support from NHS Stop Smoking clinics, social media, physical and mental exercise. The rationale and evidence base of each ingredient are described in a balanced way. The smoker is then invited to create their own smokefree formula and personally tailor it to their own needs.

The ingredients are presented as choices you can take or leave rather than “musts” and “shoulds”. The motto throughout the book is “I guide, you decide”. There is an excellent web site that accompanies the book. It provides links to the most up-to-date research on each ingredient, enables you to create your own formula, swap useful tips with other users and it gives an indication of how popular each intervention is.

It’s an easy engaging read, full of useful information. I’d recommend the book not only to smokers, but also to stop smoking advisers and anyone supporting a smoker to manage their tobacco dependence.