Be smoke-free in January

Eight in 10 smokers in Victoria say they want to quit smoking, but few are likely to set themselves up for success in 2018.

As people begin to attempt to follow their New Year resolutions, Quit Victoria is encouraging smokers to develop a plan to help them stick to their smoke-free goals.

“Many people start the year motivated and ready to give up smoking, but unfortunately when the holiday period is over and they return to their usual routines, the motivation to stay smoke-free can quickly fade,” Quit Victoria director Dr Sarah White said.

“What’s more, just one in five people use the most effective quitting approach when trying to stop smoking.”

Evidence shows that a comprehensive approach, which includes support from a service like the Quitline combined with nicotine replacement therapy or quitting medication, is the most effective way to quit for good.

“Making a plan and setting a quit date after the festive season is over can help increase your chances of quitting,” Dr White said.

“In your plan you can include the everyday activities that trigger your smoking, like stress, work and traffic, and arm yourself with tactics and tools to help you deal with triggers as a non-smoker.

“Quitting is absolutely achievable. In fact, there are now more ex-smokers than current smokers in Australia.”

According to the latest data, an average of 13.3 per cent of Victorians smoke daily. In recent years, the gap between metro and regional rural areas has closed.

Phone Quitline on 13 78 48 for personalised support to help kick the habit for good, or visit quit.org.au for information and tools to help plan a quit attempt.

Barwon Health also offer a ‘Be Smokefree clinic’ in Torquay.

For more information, head to barwonhealth.org.au/be-smokefreeclinics/item/be-smokefree-clinics.