Being Smokefree

Family on beach Most people know why it’s important to be smokefree – to enjoy good health and protect the health of those around them, especially children.

But knowing how to quit can be most frustrating. We know that 80% of people who smoke wish they had never started and would stop if they knew how.

How can you quit smoking?

Most people try going ‘cold turkey’ which means they stop smoking completely without help and struggle through the withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, a lack of concentration, dizziness, sweating, headaches, weight gain and not being able to sleep). The success of this approach overall is very low.
Supported quit attempts can increase your chances of being successful. Nicotine Replacement Therapy, which costs only $3 for an eight week supply, can double your chances of quitting smoking successfully.

What’s available for me?

Nicotine replacement therapy – patches, gum or lozenges – costs $3 for an eight week supply. You need a doctor’s prescription or a quit card to receive it at this subsidised price.
Zyban and Nortriptyline are also available at a subsidised price but can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. Speak to your doctor to see if these are right for you.
Champix is another effective medication which is now subsidised with a doctor's prescription under a special authority. Check with your doctor to see if you are eligible for the subsidy on this 12 week course of therapy.

For more information on what products will be right for you talk to your doctor, nurse or local smokefree support service:

	Mangopare is a free maaori smokefree service provided by Raukura Hauora O Tainui. It aims to empower people and make smokefree living the norm for all people within Counties Manukau. As well as providing one-on-one and group support, Mangopare can also work alongside organisations and community groups to provide intensive cessation support. To make an appointment, call the service directly on 0800 000 234 or email mangopare "at" raukura.com. For more information, click here.
	Aukati Kai Paipa is a free Maaori for Maaori smokefree programme, also delivered in Counties Manukau by Raukura Hauora O Tainui. It includes kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) support from coaches who can provide you with help to stop smoking. Referral to the service can be made through your doctor or by calling the service directly on (09) 263 8040
	Pasifika Smokefree Service is a free service primarily for Pacific people who would like help to stop smoking. Trained Pacific smokefree facilitators provide home-based and phone support. They will listen to you and work with you to develop a support programme that best meets your needs. They will also provide you with free nicotine replacement therapy if needed. To refer someone to the service, or to make an appointment for yourself, call (09) 250 5757.
	Te Awatea - This new service provides smokefree support for pregnant women and their whaanau in Counties Manukau. For more information, call (09) 274 6838, click here or email Jo.
	The Mangere Community Health Trust also provides support for pregnant women and their families and whaanau. For more information, to book an appointment or make a referral call (09) 255 5619.
	Quitline is a national service offering free support by phone, text or online for anyone in New Zealand. Call 0800 778 778 or visit them online here.
	You may see this picture in your doctor’s office. It’s part of the Ministry of Health’s ‘Ask about the Elephant’ initiative which encourages health professionals to talk to everyone they see about their smokefree status. Tobacco has long been the elephant in the room – something we don’t talk about even though the health risks associated with it are huge. Ask about the Elephant recognises that smoking is too big to ignore and it is time to talk about it. So if you or your child is admitted to Middlemore Hospital or attend the Manukau Super Clinic, you will be asked if you smoke and offered support to stop. If you would like ongoing follow-up and support, ask your doctor or nurse to refer you to the hospital smokefree team or a community provider.