Getting Help
Telephone Support
Family and Friends Support
Quit Tips
Quit in Your language - Greek, Italian, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese.
Telephone support
For the cost of a local call from anywhere in Australia, the Quitline, contactable on 131 848 or 137 848, provides advice and assistance to smokers who want to kick the habit. The Quitline can help smokers plan their attempt, give advice on different techniques, provide information on the availability of stop smoking programs and supply written material on how to quit.State and Territory Governments are responsible for ensuring the provision of Quitline services within their jurisdiction. You are able to call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for access to a free copy of a Quit Pack.
Quitline callers will be asked if they would like to be sent a free copy of the Quit Pack. This is a self-help resource. The pack offers invaluable information on the process of quitting, what to expect, and techniques on how to deal with the challenges faced when giving up smoking.
Callers can then be put through to experienced Quitline staff who have a wealth of experience and knowledge to assist smokers to quit for good, or help a relative or friend who is supporting a smoker to quit. The hours of operation for these advisors may vary from State to State.
Family and Friends Support
Many people find that their main support comes from family and friends. Get your family to read the Quit book too, so they'll understand more about what you're going through. Ask them to support you, even when things get tough.However sometimes, friends and family can make things more difficult. If you can avoid being with people who aren't supportive, do so. Otherwise, think about how you'll deal with difficult situations before you get to them.
Quit Tips
Find New Ways to Relax
1. Breathe Deeply and Slowly.2. Relax your body and your mind like this:
- Lie down or sit in a comfortable position.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- Tighten your feet and toes, hold them tight for three seconds, then relax them. Repeat this exercise with your leg muscles, your stomach and your arms and shoulders.
- Think about something relaxing, perhaps lying in the shade of a tree on a hot day ... a gentle breeze brushes your skin ... the leaves rustle quietly ... nothing to do just now but close your eyes and let your mind drift ...
- When you are relaxed and ready, open your eyes and bring the good feelings with you.
3. Ask a friend for a neck and shoulder massage.
4. Make a change in your routine.
- Get up earlier, and go for a morning walk, or sit in a different place for breakfast.
- Choose a different chair to watch TV, and eat some sugarfree popcorn or chewing gum.
- Have a pen and paper by the phone so you can doodle, or move around while you are talking.
- Take a soft rubber ball in the car, and do hand exercises if you are stuck in traffic.
- Go off alcohol for a while and try a soft drink instead.
5. Exercise. This can be as simple as getting off the bus one stop early and walking the extra distance or using stairs instead of lifts.
Smoking and your body
Tobacco use reduces not only your life expectancy but your quality of life. Many medical conditions caused by smoking can result not just in death, but in living for years with disabling health problems.
Quitters help
Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things a person can do. Most smokers' say they would like to quit, and may have tried at least once. Some are successful the first time, but many other people try a number of times before they finally give up for good.
Health care professionals
Practical information on smoking cessation and effective strategies that general practitioners and other practice staff can apply to identify smokers and assist them to stop smoking.
Parents and smoking
Smoking causes many harms to your body but also to those around you that are younger. How does your smoking affect the ones you care for?