Helping people in LGBTIQA+ communities to quit

When you quit, your physical health improves. But physical wellbeing is just part of the transformation.

Quitting will also:

• Improve your mental health and reduce your stress levels.

• Free up money that you could put towards your lifestyle goals like a holiday, your savings, a new car, dining out or other experiences that bring you joy.

• Free up your time to do the things that are important to you.

I'm ready to quit

Why is smoking and vaping more common in LGBTIQA+ communities?

Research reveals that LGBTIQA+ community members face various social and psychological challenges, making them more likely to smoke compared to the general population. These challenges include:

• coping with additional stress

• experiencing discrimination

• social anxiety

• possible rejection from loved ones

• experiencing of psychological trauma

• normalisation of smoking and vaping in social circles and venues

• links to alcohol and other drug use. []

To give yourself the best chance to stop smoking and vaping, it helps to:

• Set up a quit plan.

• Make changes to your routine to reduce triggers to smoke.

• Think about ways to reduce stress.

• Not everyone succeeds the first time they try to stop smoking, and some people will try multiple times before they succeed.

Set up a quit plan

Quitline is a culturally safe space

Quitline counsellors can chat to you in a culturally appropriate and accessible way. You'll also find peers working in the service.

Quitline counsellors offer personalised support throughout your quitting journey, whether it’s your first or fifth attempt to quit. There are many ways to get in touch with Quitline.

Reach out to Quitline

Also check out the My QuitBuddy app: My QuitBuddy is an app that helps you get, and stay, smoke-free and vape-free.