January is traditionally a time when people set a new health goal to start the year, such as quitting smoking. Recent research shows 4 in 5 people (79%) who smoke intend to QUIT, and people who follow this goal and quit smoking for 28 days, are 5 times more likely to quit for good.
Martina Blake, National Lead, HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, says, “Most people who smoke want to quit but for many, the idea of quitting can seem impossible. We know, however, that smoking isn’t just an unhealthy habit that you need to break. There are the physical cravings for nicotine, the psychological dependence and the emotional dependence, which all need to be worked on when quitting.
The HSE Quit Service is here to help by providing the tools and supports to make it possible. This practical support and resources give the best chance of making it to Day 28 and once you reach that, you are well on the way to long-term success and the benefits of a smoke-free life.”
We asked people how COVID-19 had affected their smoking behaviour this year. While many reported having quit smoking, 5% told us that they had started smoking again due to COVID-19. This has been a difficult year for all of us and it is not surprising that some people have used smoking as a way of managing stress or boredom. We want to let people know that the Quit service can help you plan for quitting and ways you can cope with difficult periods in your life without smoking. If you have quit before, you know that you can do it again. Getting the right help will make all the difference.
This year has seen an increase in people seeking online support to quit smoking.
Dr Paul Kavanagh, Public Health Medicine Specialist, HSE said, “Smoking is incredibly harmful. One in two smokers will die from a tobacco related disease and a smoker can expect to lose on average about 10 years of life due to smoking. Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health, for your future and for your loved ones.”
