Quitting smoking? What help is available to me?

The decision to quit smoking is life changing and not without its’ trials and temptations but a successful attempt is very rewarding mentally, physically and financially.

How do you know if you are ready to quit smoking?

• You have made the decision to quit
•  You have sought out support and any information you may need
• You have started or made a plan
• You have decided on a date

You are not alone. Quitting smoking can seem overwhelming and may take several attempts but there is help available.

Quitline

Quit kits are available by contacting 13 7848 (13 QUIT) or visiting iCanQuit.com.au.
These kits help you to create a quit plan, give you access to professional support 7 days a week and advice. Professional advice can increase you chance of quitting significantly as compared with those that seek no advice. NSW quitline reports that “Multiple calls with the NSW Quitline: 25-50% increase (quitting)” (iCanQuit, 2019).

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT releases smaller and slowly absorbed levels of nicotine into the body as compared with smoking. The purpose of NRT is to minimise the severity of withdrawal symptoms and to reduce the intensity of cravings.
NRT products available include:

•  Nicotine patches
• Nicotine gum
• Nicotine lozenges
• Nicotine mouth spray
•  Nicotine inhaler
• Combination therapy
• Cut down to quit

Consulting your doctor

Attempts at quitting can be made more successful when using prescription medication. Professional medical intervention can make you up to four times more likely to succeed in quitting. Remembering that “Smoking is not just a ‘bad habit’. It’s an addiction – a chronic condition” (Pfizer Australia Pty Limited, 2018). Seeing a doctor can help to manage the physical repercussions of quitting.

A range of applications and support programs are also available to help keep you motivated.

If you are unsuccessful in quitting permanently take the time you managed to quit as a win. Remember that you just have to choose another date and try again.