Quitting smoking is a personal experience for those attempting. There are many factors that play into the daily use of cigarettes and understanding these can help target a quitting goal – “The why”. Examples such as;
- Addiction or the craving for nicotine
- Habitual (eg: time of the day or with a certain event)
- Sensory feeling (holding something in your hand or pressed to your lips)
- Social events (with friends)
- Stress or anxiety management (to provide comfort with something familiar).
Like many addictive traits, understanding the factors that contribute to your smoking status can be helpful in breaking the cycle.
Research out of the UK has shown that support throughout the quitting process is highly beneficial, leading to increased success. Whether it was your idea to quit or someone around you such as a family member a general practitioner (GP) can provide assistance during this time. With a GP on board, chest scans and baseline line lung function testing can be carried out. Interestingly, smoking characteristics or “The why” and chest scans did not influence either of the two groups that took part in an ‘Immediate, remote smoking cessation intervention’.
One group was provided an initial consult plus an immediate phone call follow up and six phone calls throughout a three month period along with quit smoking resources and nicotine replacement options. The other group had an initial consult and was given quit smoking resources and advised to see their GP. Results showed a 37.5% attempt to quit rate with a successful 21.1% giving up smoking at three months for the telephone support group. In comparison, only 22% attempted to quit without support and just 8.9% were successful. The difference between the groups was considered significant.
Coming closer to home in Australia, consulting with a GP to discuss nicotine replacement options is a start. However, to take advantage of a similar program to the study highlighted above, ask your GP/ health worker/ pharmacist/ etc. for a referral to Quitline – a free and tailored service that is available seven days a week to call at your specified times to support you through the quitting process. They also have a smoke-free pregnancy option as well.
Resources:
https://www.quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/
References:
Williams, P., et al (2023). Immediate, Remote Smoking Cessation Intervention in pParticipants Undergoing a Targeted Lung Health Check. CHEST, 455-463.
