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LONDON – A groundbreaking study reveals that integrating smoking cessation support into NHS Talking Therapies for depression and anxiety significantly increases the likelihood of quitting. The research, published on No Smoking Day 2025 in the journal Addiction, demonstrates that patients are more than twice as likely to quit smoking when receiving combined treatment compared to standard therapy.
Led by Dr. Gemma Taylor at the University of Bath, the study, conducted across four NHS trusts in England, tested the practicality of incorporating smoking cessation support into cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The trial involved 135 participants with depression and anxiety, divided into two groups. One group received 12 sessions of smoking cessation support alongside their CBT, while the other received standard CBT and information about quitting smoking after treatment.
The researchers tracked the participants’ progress at three and six months, measuring engagement, satisfaction, smoking habits, and mental health outcomes. The results were striking: at six months, 15% of the combined treatment group had quit smoking, compared to just 6% in the control group. This represents a more than two-and-a-half-fold increase in quit rates.
Furthermore, the study found that integrating smoking cessation support did not disrupt the therapy process. Therapists reported the intervention as helpful and easy to use, leading to improvements in both clients’ mental and physical health.
“People with depression and anxiety are twice as likely to smoke and quitting is one of the most powerful ways to improve both physical and mental health,” said Dr. Gemma Taylor. “This study shows that by addressing smoking alongside mental health treatment, the NHS can offer patients a chance to break free from a deadly cycle, improving their well-being in a way that’s practical, effective and life-changing.”
The findings are particularly significant given that people with mental health conditions face greater barriers to quitting smoking. A Cochrane review reported an 8.8% quit rate for standard smoking cessation treatments among individuals with depression. The ESCAPE trial’s results nearly double this rate.
Health organizations are now calling for the rapid expansion of this integrated approach. Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), emphasized the need to move away from treating mental health and smoking as separate issues. Mark Rowland, Chair of the Mental Health and Smoking Partnership and Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, highlighted the potential for the NHS to do more to support individuals struggling with their mental health to quit smoking.
The study also reinforces the growing body of evidence that quitting smoking can positively impact mental health. Dr. Taylor’s previous research indicated that stopping smoking improves mental health as much as taking antidepressants.
With NHS Talking Therapies reaching 1.2 million people in 2024, the potential impact of integrating smoking cessation support is substantial, potentially reaching up to 300,000 smokers annually.
“Expanding smoking cessation within NHS mental health services isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a crucial step toward improving patient outcomes and building healthier communities,” Dr. Taylor concluded.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided and should not be taken as medical advice. Individuals seeking smoking cessation support or mental health treatment should consult with healthcare professionals. The study’s findings are promising, but further research may be needed to replicate the results and assess long-term outcomes.
