Tip 2: Create a quit plan
Giving up smokes may take many tries before you are successful. Some things might work, and others may not. Take a step-by-step approach to build a quit plan just for you by using the free online tools below.
QuitCoach
QuitCoach is a free online tool to help create and stick to a quit plan made just for you. QuitCoach can be used with QuitTxt.
Sign up for QuitCoach.
iCanQuit
iCanQuit is a free online tool that allows you to create a quit plan made just for you, share and read tips around quitting smoking, and be part of a supportive community.
Sign up for
iCanQuit.
Tip 3: Know your triggers
It is important to know what might make us want to smoke. This might be smells, gatherings, places, or emotions like feeling anxious or down. The first two weeks are the hardest so think about:
- Spending time with friends that do not smoke.
- Delaying BBQs and parties until you feel more in control of your cravings.
- Make your car and home smoke free zones.
Tip 4: Manage cravings
Staying quit is the hard part of the journey. Take each day at a time. If you slip up, do not give up. It may take many goes to quit. Take your mind off craving the next smoke and go for a walk or have a healthy snack.
To help reduce cravings and withdrawals you can use nicotine patches, gum and stop smoking medications. Have a yarn to your AMS health worker or doctor about these products because you may be eligible to get them at a lower cost.
Tip 5: Keep motivated
Your health worker can refer you to support programs in your local area to help you stay on track. Find an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Medical Service near you here.
There are also online programs or mobile phone apps that can help you quit. Easily access QuitTxt or Quitly services using your mobile phone.
QuitTxt
QuitTxt is an interactive SMS program to help you prepare to quit, maintain motivation and stay on track after you quit. It takes around 5-10 minutes to sign up. Sign up for QuitTxt.
Quitly
A free chatbot on Facebook Messenger asks you a few questions to help motivate you to quit, maintain motivation and manage smoking triggers. Search for Quitly.bot in Facebook messenger or head over to m.me/quitly.bot to get started.
Mobile phone apps can also help to keep you motivated through the process of quitting. There are many different apps to help you give up the smokes and keep motivated and focused once you do. Check out some apps to help you quit smoking below.
My Quitbuddy
A free app providing games to distract you from cravings and motivational tools such as a live map of your body to show how your health is improving.
Find the app in the Apple Store or on Google Play.
Smoke Free
A free app providing tools to manage your cravings by monitoring when they occur and rewarding your achievements.
Find the app in the Apple Store or on Google Play.