29 December 2004

Kicking the habit for the New Year with nicotine replacement therapy

People who resolve to give up smoking for the new year should be aware that going cold turkey can minimise their chance of success.

Research has shown using nicotine replacement therapies, like gum and patches, can double their chance of quitting – but only if used correctly and for the right amount of time.

NSW Health has produced a video to give those planning to quit smoking information about nicotine addition and how to use different forms of nicotine replacement therapy correctly to assist with cravings, as well as many other tips for quitting smoking successfully.

Called Health Smart – Nicotine Replacement Therapy, the 14-minute video is presented by well-known news presenter Juanita Phillips. It is available for loan from most public libraries in NSW.

Nicotine replacement therapy works by replacing the nicotine obtained from cigarettes with nicotine delivered either by a patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or sublingual tablet.

According to NSW Health’s tobacco spokesperson, Amy Wyndham, these products deliver a low dose of nicotine compared to cigarettes.

“As a result, they reduce your body’s addiction to the nicotine in cigarettes and also reduce symptoms of withdrawal such as cravings and anxiety.

“To work properly, nicotine replacement therapy should be used for a minimum of eight weeks. People who smoke within half an hour of waking up in the morning and smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day should use a high dose therapy,” she said.

Amy advised that quitting smoking can be a stressful experience so if a person has suffered depression, anxiety or a mental illness then it’s a good idea for them to consult their GP before quitting.

The NSW Quitline (131 848) now offers a free callback service to provide extra support to people during their quit attempt. A call to the Quitline costs the same as a local call from anywhere in NSW.

Related links:

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au