Mythbusting: "Quitting smoking is expensive"

NRT patches, gum and lozenge, and the quitting medications Champix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion), are available at reduced rates under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). See your doctor about a prescription.

These product are also highly effective. In fact, the most effective way to quit combines Quitline with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products (such as patches or gum) or quitting medication (such as Champix/varenicline). 

Quitline provides free information and advice: 13 7848. Quitline counsellors are like personal trainers for quitting smoking. Using Quitline more than doubles your likelihood of staying quit. Contacting the Quitline costs the same as a usual call from your phone. Or you can request a Quitline call (at no cost to you). You can also text 13 7848 (for the cost of a text message) and we'll call you back.

The money you spend on quitting is likely to be very small compared to the money you would have spent on cigarettes in that same time. You will certainly spend much less compared to continuing to smoke. 

Some other ways you can save when quitting:

• Try QuitCoach, QuitTxt or QuitMail or visiting Quit Victoria's Facebook page.
• Beat cravings on the cheap: take up a new hobby or exercise, go for a quick walk around the block, call a friend, or make a hot drink. See each craving as a five-minute window to fill.