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Quitline

The Quitline is an extremely effective telephone support and coaching service - request a Quitline callback. see the coaching selection guide

Using a Quitline advisor can double your chance of quitting successfully.

Request a Quitline callback or order a free Quit pack .

When you ring the Quitline, you can ask for a Quit pack to be sent free of charge and you can ask to speak to a trained advisor. Quitline also has Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander Quitline advisors.

Quitline's friendly advisors understand that quitting is a complex process and that most people will have a number of goes at quitting before they quit for good. Quitline advisors are trained to listen carefully to you to help meet your needs.

Research shows that the Quitline call-back service can significantly increase your chance of quitting. Around 40% of smokers who used Quitline’s call-back service successfully quit smoking. This figure is based on a survey conducted 6 months after callers received assistance from Quitline. Based on a recent evaluation of the Quitline, nearly all callers  found the advisors really helpful, friendly and approachable.

Advisors can also help you work out how you can be of support if someone you care about smokes.

Remember: the most effective way of quitting smoking is:

Coaching (e.g. Quitline)   +   Nicotine Replacement Product or Quitting Medication

Quitline can also offer advice on the range of quitting products available including how to use them and how well they work.

What is Quitline?

  • Quitline is available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Friday from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobile phones – normal charges apply).
  • Your call is confidential. This means you don't have to give your name if you don't want to.
  • If you are deaf or have hearing or speech impairment, you can call the National Relay Service (NRS) to access the Quitline.
  • TTY users phone 13 3677 and ask for 13 78 48.
  • Speak & Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 13 78 48.
  • Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 13 78 48.
  • For more information about NRS see www.relayservice.com.au

Preparing to quit and Quitline

Many people call Quitline with a quick query but a typical first call to Quitline takes around 10 - 20 mins. The call will cover your smoking history, your motivation to quit, an understanding of your smoking based on the nicotine addiction, your habit, and the stress side of smoking. An essential part of the first Quitline call is to set up a plan for quitting that suits you. Quitline advisors can also give advice about the different quitting methods and products. Quitline advisors are trained to help you to explore your desire to quit and to deepen it. Quitline can also offer a wide range of written and other resources which are helpful.

Quitline’s call-back service

The Quitline has a call-back service where you can book a time for Quit to call you . Callers are typically offered around six call-backs over their quitting journey. Many smokers enjoy this support and like the idea that Quitline will keep them covered for the difficult first few weeks of quitting. There’s flexibility in how the calls are booked but they typically take the form of two calls before quitting and then four calls after you’ve quit.

How Quitline can help ...

Coaching Selection Guide

Coaching options are below. Click "View details" for more information.

Method Respected Provider Level of Support Cost Availability Personal Style Tips
Yes You can choose low, medium or high Cost of a local call (except on mobile phones) Available by phone most days People who like talking on the phone, like one-on-one contact and want strong support
Call the Quitline before you quit. Your chances of quitting are better if you speak with an advisor several times. The most effective way to quit is to combine Quitline with either a nicotine replacement product or quitting medication.
Yes Medium Cost of Internet access Constant People who prefer using a computer
Use QuitCoach several times while you are quitting. The most effective way to quit is to combine QuitCoach with either a nicotine replacement product or quitting medication.
Use the quality checklist to make sure Low Varies, often free Constant People who like to read and learn alone and people who prefer using a computer without much support
Tips: Practise the suggested exercises.
See registered health professional who is trained in helping people quit smoking. High Varies Usually at set times and locations People who prefer a one-to-one contact and want to talk to an advisor at scheduled times.
Check the advice covers problem solving and skills training, such as recognising smoking triggers and planning for risky situations.

Save your work

Quitting takes practice. Save the work you've done on this page to help create a personalised quitting approach that works for you.

 

Real life stories

You're never too old to quit.

Hi all, my name is David and I am 60 years old. I have smoked since I was 12 years old and have tried to quit many times. In fact I used to say to friends who tried to stop me that it was easy to...

Read more of this story ›