QUIT smoking in the new year

Last updated: 01 November 2007

Smoking

New Year is often a time when people start to think about making a fresh, healthy and smoke-free start to the New Year. This makes it a particularly busy time for the Quitline that receives about one fifth of its annual calls over the new-year period.

Smokers can start planning now for their quit attempt by calling the Quitline 131 848 for advice, support and the Quit Kit.

The Quitline receives 25,000 calls annually and about 5,000 calls around New Year as people look to give their health a boost.

If you decide to quit smoking at midnight on New Year's Eve, by 2am most nicotine will be out of your system. After two days, all of the nicotine by-products have gone, your tastebuds come alive, your sense of smell improves and your breath, hair, fingers, teeth and clothes are cleaner.

Smokers who quit on New Year's Eve can expect to be wealthier in 2008. A pack-a-day smoker who quits can expect to save around $3000 in a year.

Men who quit smoking can expect a better sex life with improved erectile function, while women trying to conceive will face less risk of miscarriage. Both sexes can benefit from reduced risk of stroke, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and disease.

Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as lozenges, patches, gum or inhaler, can help smokers quit by reducing their withdrawal symptoms when stopping smoking. NRT is safe and effective if used according to recommendations. It is important to continue to use NRT for at least 8 weeks.

Quit tips for the New Year

Set a date - around January 1 and stick with your decision to quit. It's a good idea to get your partying over first.

Get organised - write a list of reasons for quitting such as health, finances and children. Remind yourself of the reasons by putting the list on your fridge, in the car, by the phone and in your workspace.

Get some support - ask your family, friends and work mates to help you with your attempt to quit. They can help distract you and refrain from smoking around you if they smoke themselves. Find a 'QUIT BUDDY' for mutual encouragement and support. Call the Quitline 131 848 - a Quitline counsellor can also ring you when you need support and encouragement.

Identify your smoking patterns - when do you enjoy smoking the most? What events trigger your need to smoke? Keep a diary and plan what you'll do instead of smoking.

Plan ahead - many people quit 'cold turkey' - relying on willpower alone. However, if that's not for you, nicotine replacement therapy can double your chances of having a successful quit attempt, particularly if you are moderately or highly nicotine dependent (if you smoke within 30 minutes of waking up and smoke 10+ cigarettes per day); try a quit smoking course or talk to your doctor.

Get a piggy bank - put the money you would spend on cigarettes in a piggy bank or jar and watch your money grow. Make a list of what you can spend the money on or just spoil yourself.