Quitting with support — does it really help more than willpower alone?

Yes, significantly. The combination of counselling and, where appropriate, medication increases the success rate compared to trying alone by several times. Smoking is an addiction — using professional help is not a sign of weakness.

How bad will the withdrawal be?

The strongest symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and cravings usually occur in the first days to weeks and then subside. With good preparation and possibly supportive aids, this phase can be considerably eased.

Will I automatically gain weight after quitting smoking?

Many people gain a few kilograms because metabolism and appetite change — but it is not automatic. Exercise and mindful eating work well against this, and the health benefits of quitting far outweigh any weight gain.

Is switching to e-cigarettes a good solution?

E-cigarettes are, according to current knowledge, probably less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, but not harmless, and the long-term effects are not yet fully understood. Whether they make sense in your case as a quitting aid is best discussed with your doctor — the goal remains complete cessation.

I have quit several times and started again — is another attempt worthwhile?

Absolutely. Most people need several attempts before permanently quitting smoking, and each attempt provides valuable insights into your triggers. With professional support, your chances increase with each new attempt.

What does smoking cessation support cost?

Medical counselling is usually covered by the mandatory basic insurance like a normal consultation. Nicotine replacement products are generally at your own expense; prescription cessation medications are covered by the health insurance under certain conditions. For courses, some insurers contribute through supplementary insurance — please check with your insurance provider.

Smoking Cessation Support — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

Professional smoking cessation support significantly increases your chances of becoming permanently smoke-free — compared to trying alone. It combines counselling with, where appropriate, medication to help with cravings and guides you through the first smoke-free weeks. Even after several failed attempts, a new effort is worthwhile: each attempt increases the chance of success this time.

Typical Areas of Use

Permanent quitting of smoking
Managing withdrawal symptoms and cigarette cravings
Smoking cessation before surgery
Quitting with lung or cardiovascular disease
Smoking cessation when planning a pregnancy or during pregnancy
Preventing relapses

How It Works

1In the initial consultation, you and the specialist review your smoking habits: when and why you smoke, how strong the addiction is, and what caused previous attempts to fail.
2Together you set a specific quit date and develop strategies for typical high-risk situations such as stress, coffee, or social occasions.
3Your doctor discusses with you whether supportive treatment makes sense — such as nicotine replacement products or prescription medications that reduce cravings.
4In the weeks following quitting, follow-up appointments or telephone contacts take place where successes, lapses, and next steps are discussed.
5Towards the end, the focus shifts to relapse prevention, so that smoke-free weeks become smoke-free years.

How to Prepare

For several days, note down when and in what situations you smoke — this reveals your personal triggers.
Think about your main reasons for quitting and write them down.
If possible, choose a quit date during a period without exceptional stress.
Inform those around you — support from family and friends increases your chances of success.

Side Effects & Risks

Withdrawal symptoms are common in the first weeks: irritability, restlessness, concentration problems, and strong cravings — they are unpleasant but temporary.
Some weight gain is possible; it can be managed well with exercise and diet and does not outweigh the health benefits.
Nicotine replacement products may cause skin irritation or hiccups, for example; prescription medications have their own possible side effects, which your doctor will explain to you.
Relapses happen and are not a failure — they are evaluated during support sessions and used for the next attempt.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

After quitting smoking, your body recovers step by step: taste and smell often return within days, the lungs take longer — temporarily increased coughing may be part of the airways' cleansing process. During the first weeks, consciously avoid your strongest trigger situations and keep your follow-up appointments even when things are going well. Contact your doctor if coughing persists for weeks or worsens, if shortness of breath or bloody sputum occur, or if your mood deteriorates persistently after quitting.

Cost & Insurance

If the smoking cessation counselling takes place as part of a medical consultation, it is generally billed as usual through mandatory basic insurance, with deductible and co-payment applying. You generally pay for nicotine replacement products yourself; prescription active substances such as varenicline are covered by mandatory basic insurance under certain conditions (limitatio of the specialities list); some insurers make a contribution towards smoking cessation courses or programmes through supplementary insurance. Rules differ depending on the insurer — if in doubt, please ask; this information is for guidance only, without guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quitting with support — does it really help more than willpower alone?: Yes, significantly. The combination of counselling and, where appropriate, medication increases the success rate compared to trying alone by several times. Smoking is an addiction — using professional help is not a sign of weakness.
How bad will the withdrawal be?: The strongest symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and cravings usually occur in the first days to weeks and then subside. With good preparation and possibly supportive aids, this phase can be considerably eased.
Will I automatically gain weight after quitting smoking?: Many people gain a few kilograms because metabolism and appetite change — but it is not automatic. Exercise and mindful eating work well against this, and the health benefits of quitting far outweigh any weight gain.
Is switching to e-cigarettes a good solution?: E-cigarettes are, according to current knowledge, probably less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, but not harmless, and the long-term effects are not yet fully understood. Whether they make sense in your case as a quitting aid is best discussed with your doctor — the goal remains complete cessation.
I have quit several times and started again — is another attempt worthwhile?: Absolutely. Most people need several attempts before permanently quitting smoking, and each attempt provides valuable insights into your triggers. With professional support, your chances increase with each new attempt.
What does smoking cessation support cost?: Medical counselling is usually covered by the mandatory basic insurance like a normal consultation. Nicotine replacement products are generally at your own expense; prescription cessation medications are covered by the health insurance under certain conditions. For courses, some insurers contribute through supplementary insurance — please check with your insurance provider.