Quitting smoking: a tough New Year’s resolution

As we step into the New Year, we all aim for positive changes, whether it’s hitting the gym, shedding some pounds, sorting out our finances, or, for some, quitting smoking.

If you’re a smoker, you probably know about the health risks and want to quit. But let’s face it, as the holiday cheer fades, so can our determination to stick to resolutions. Maybe you’ve tried to quit before and things didn’t go as planned, leaving you with an excuse to go back to old habits.

According to Professor Yuben Moodley from the Institute for Respiratory Health, quitting smoking is a smart goal.

“Success can bring real benefits for your health in the short and long term, promising a longer, better quality of life and healthier lungs,” Professor Moodley said.

“Smoking is tough to quit due to the addictive nature of nicotine, along with social triggers and stressors.

“The withdrawal symptoms from nicotine also add to the challenge. If you want to make sure your resolution sticks, make a plan to quit and get specialist help together with smoking treatments like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

“Trying to quit on New Year’s Day might be too ambitious, but committing to the goal is a great first step.”

Professor Moodley suggests talking to your doctor for support for quitting. There are lots of apps that can help you quit too including QuitNow, quitSTART and Kwit. The apps provide you with practical support, encouragement and tailored advice and tips.

“The key to quitting is to taking a holistic approach, tackling the problem from various angles and ensuring you have support from your friends and family,” Professor Moodley said.