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ADDICTS will take their first steps towards quitting smoking next month.

From the Guardian Series, first published Friday 15th Oct 2004.

Health officials are to begin group help sessions at Knutsford Leisure Centre.

Project leader Liz Woodworth said quitting smoking was one of the most difficult things a person could do.

"Nicotine is more addictive than heroin and that's why people need to come to something like this to get professional advice," she said.

"It's never too late to stop smoking and it's a step-by-step thing. The bigger our group in Knutsford is the better."

Smokers will take part in weekly sessions for seven weeks and receive support for at least the next 10 months.

At the first meeting members will discuss their expectations and learn about nicotine replacement therapy.

In the second week addicts will discuss behavioural changes and arrange prescriptions with their GPs' surgeries.

At the next session smokers will be asked to quit and they will then receive support sessions for the next three weeks.

The Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust currently helps up to 70% of smokers who attend its sessions to quit.

For more information on the meetings, which start at 7pm on November 4, call Liz Woodworth on 01625 661793.

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