Stopping smoking the first time is hard, but it gets easier each time you do it. Here are some motivational tips to remind you that you're stronger than ever.
Congratulations for giving quitting another go. It takes real courage to try again. Each time you stop smoking, you learn a little bit more about yourself and you get a little bit better at it.
So here are some ideas to try next time round:
Give yourself time to plan and prepare: set a quit date for a week or so away
Find a quitting buddy or someone you can quit with
Try a smokefree day: a good way to ease back into quitting
Talk to your GP about your options – stop smoking medications like patches, gum, mouth spray, lozenge and inhalator, or prescribed stop smoking medication, can help. Nicotine patches and prescribed tablets are available at reduced rates with a doctor's prescription (under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)).
You may have tried only one type of NRT. Did you know that combination therapy: using nicotine patches plus a faster-acting type of NRT like mouth spray, lozenge, gum or inhalator, is one of the most effective quitting methods. The patches give you a steady dose of nicotine all day, while the faster-acting nicotine keeps you covered at times when you would have smoked.
Call Quitline or request a call back– they will listen to you about your recent go at quitting, and can talk to you about trying something different next time. The most effective way to quit smoking is to use Quitline with stop smoking medications.
6 reasons why you‘re stronger this time
Just being here means you’re considering quitting again. It shows real strength of character to take this step again.
You will have learnt things about yourself and your smoking from your last Quit attempt that you can use this time. For example, what caused you to smoke again? Can you avoid those situations this time?
You don’t have to do it alone – our Quitline (13 7848) counsellors can help you all the way along or you can build a plan online. Did you use Quitline last time? If not, give us a go. If you did, make contact again. We’d love to hear from you.
You don’t have to rely on willpower – Talk to your GP about options. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and prescribed stop smoking tablets can help with feelings of withdrawal and cravings. If you tried one type of NRT last time, perhaps see what other types are on offer – it might be that another type suits you better. Consider combination therapy, using a nicotine patch plus a faster-acting type like mouth spray or gum. It's one of the most effective quitting methods, particularly when you pair it with Quitline.
There are now more ex-smokers than smokers in Victoria. We’ve helped people who’ve smoked for more than 30 years or longer quit, you can too. Get tips from ex-smokers.
Because you still have a good reason – whether for it’s financial, health or family reasons – this reason is unlikely to go away. So keep it in your mind whenever you need a motivation boost.
Karen's story
Karen tried to stop smoking many times before she found the method that worked best for her. Watch Karen talk about how she stopped smoking and hear from others at Confidence to Quit.
Last updated May 2023.
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