Bring the everyday picture
Before your appointment, note approximately how much you smoke and when you tend to have your first cigarette. Include vaping or any other nicotine products you use. Describe the situations you find hardest and what you hope to change. An accurate picture helps the clinician understand your needs; you do not have to present a successful quit attempt first.
Remember previous attempts
Write down what you tried before, how long you used it and what made it difficult to continue. Include any side effects or practical problems, such as remembering a treatment during shift work. Something that did not fit your circumstances before can still provide useful information for deciding what to discuss now.
Take a medicines list
Bring the names of your medicines, supplements and any quitting products you currently use. Mention relevant health conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist which quitting options are suitable for your circumstances and how to use any recommended treatment. Do not change an existing medicine on your own.
Leave with clear next steps
Useful questions include: what should I do next, who should I contact with concerns, and when should we review the plan? Ask for written instructions if that would help. Before ending the appointment, repeat the next step in your own words so there is an opportunity to clear up anything confusing.
