WE HAVE known for some time that smoking has been going out of fashion – now, the statistics are available to prove it.
Figures released by the European Commission last year found that the Republic had among the fastest-falling smoking rates in the EU (dropping from 29 per cent to 21 per cent from 2012-2014), while just 18 per cent of the population in Northern Ireland smoke.
There are now twice as many ex-smokers than current smokers in England, with recorded smoking rates at their lowest ever – below 17 per cent. In Scotland, rates are heading in the same direction, falling from 31 per cent in 1999 to 20 per cent in 2014.
The numbers are promising and go to show that while quitting smoking is very difficult, it is certainly possible. And if you're thinking about stubbing out for good, October is the ideal time to do it.
Now in its fifth year, Stoptober will once again aim to inspire smokers to quit, with a host of handy tools and tactics to support them through the 28-day quitting challenge starting on Saturday, October 1.
Last year 500,000 people managed to successfully complete this mission, the highest success rate since the campaign began back in 2012.
Here are some tips for quitting:
THE 28-DAY PLEDGE
Lavina Ramlington, who works for NHS stop smoking services, has seen first-hand how Stoptober can really bolster people's motivation when quitting. "At this time of year, people have come back from holidays and are getting stuck back into work etc; I think it's a great time to try and quit," she says. "And as the campaign slogan says: if you can stay smoke-free for 28 days, then you're more likely to stay smoke-free for life."
Five times more likely, in fact, according to research.
There's also a real positivity in knowing you're not alone in your efforts, and that thousands of other people who have taken the 28-day pledge too, are going through the challenge at the same time.
"It is like there's something in the air [during Stoptober], and there's lots of chat going on on Facebook and things like that, which encourages people to keep going," s Ramlington notes.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
While there are people who have successfully quit smoking entirely by their own means, whether through going cold turkey or self-managing the process with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, statistics show you are far more likely to kick the habit for good by roping in some support – and there's lots out there.
"There is more help and support available now than ever before. The introduction of standardised packs removes the glamorous branding and brings health warnings to the fore, and e-cigarettes, which many smokers find helpful for quitting, are now regulated to assure their safety and quality," says Dr Gina Radford, Britain's deputy chief medical officer.
"We also have a range of free support that can go direct to your phone, laptop or tablet via the Stoptober app, a daily email service or Facebook Messenger bot. The new Stoptober website also has advice and information on stop smoking services and quitting aids."
KNOW YOUR HABITS
"There are three main categories of smokers," says Ramlington. "Light smokers, who probably smoke one to five cigarettes a day, then smokers who'll have about five to 15 a day, and you've got the heavy smoker who has 20-plus a day. These are all followed by triggers, things like boredom, social triggers, stress and anxiety." Lighting up could be part of somebody's celebration rituals too – similar to how we have a drink to toast good occasions and events.
Ramlington explains that advisors will be able to suggest the most appropriate NRT products according to an individual's addiction levels and smoking patterns, help guide them through the process of weaning off nicotine in the longer term, and offer advice around staying on track and coping with triggers.
It's vital, she says, that people have strategies in place for when triggers arise – which they inevitably will. After all, if somebody usually reaches for a cigarette when they're stressed, they can't just 'switch off' feeling stressed. But being prepared, and having a plan of action in place, will make the world of difference.
"We'll usually suggest people take up new interests, so they've got other healthy options to counteract the boredom, such as going to the gym, doing crosswords or doing the gardening – anything where they can develop a new passion or hobby to focus on, and help them in overcoming the ingrained habit of smoking."
Quitters can also set up motivational rewards for themselves – such as saving the money they'd normally spend on cigarettes and having a 'goal' treat to spend it on.
:: You are five times more likely to stay smoke-free if you can stop for 28 days. Search 'Stoptober' online for free support to help you quit, or visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou/stoptober/home
