THINKING OF QUITTING??

Most smokers think about giving up at some stage – but motivation and determination to quit always goes up and down.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind.

IT CAN BE HARD – BUT POSSIBLE

Even the most addicted smokers, do quit smoking, even with high stress levels.  Withdrawal and cravings are strong – but they are manageable and do pass with time.

THERE ARE LOTS OF GOOD REASONS TO QUIT  (here are just 25)

ุ    Save you lots of money every day

ุ    Stop feeling like your life is controlled by an addiction

ุ    Better smelling breath

ุ    Fewer coughs and illnesses

ุ    Better recovery from colds and flues

ุ    Less pollution

ุ    Cleaner home and car

ุ    Improved sexual performance

ุ    Healthier, better-looking skin

ุ    More energy

ุ    Better smelling hair and clothes

ุ    Cleaner teeth

ุ    Reduced risk of cancers of the throat, tongue and lung

ุ    Reduced risk of other cancers (eg. bowel, ovarian, breast)

ุ    Reduced risk of stroke

ุ    Reduced heart disease and risk of heart attack

ุ    Better circulation (warmer and healthier limbs)

ุ    Better fitness

ุ    Better sense of taste

ุ    Better sense of smell

ุ    Set a good example to kids

ุ    Feel proud of yourself

ุ    Be able to stay in a restaurant or bar all night (without going outside)

ุ    Increased work productivity

ุ    Live longer

IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Within hours of your last cigarette, your airways are healthier.  Within days, your fitness and some health risks are improved.  Within weeks, your risk of cancer, stroke and heart attack are less.

OPTIONS TO HELP YOU QUIT

1.  Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

• Patches, Gum, Spray

These devices, prescribed by your GP (some available over the counter at pharmacies) put some nicotine into your system and this reduces the physical cravings.  Evidence from research shows that NRT, especially when combined with other coping strategies, does help people to successfully quit.

Ask your GP what product or dose would suit you.

2.  Fading

• Gradually reduce the number of cigarettes and their strength.  This is a powerful way to reduce the level of cravings and habit.   Then just do it. 

At the same time, change your routine: smoking is a habit and upsetting the habit makes quitting easier.  Buy a different brand.  Replace difficult cigarettes (eg. after dinner with coffee) with an alternative “treat”

3.  Hypnosis

• There is some evidence to suggest that hypnotic suggestions – when used in conjunction with other quitting strategies increases the success rate.

4.  Psychological Counselling

• A clinical psychologist can help in many ways to maximise your chance of quitting in a few short visits.  They can help you to identify emotional and habitual triggers to smoke – then deal with them.  A psychologist can also help you to develop your own tailored quit plan and build up your ability to cope with cravings.

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