Free support to quit smoking and vaping for South Australians
More South Australians than ever before who are trying to quit smoking or vaping will now have access to free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
The Nicotine Replacement Therapy Pilot Program (Quitline Enhancement Project) is an initiative funded by the Australian Government and Preventive Health SA and delivered in partnership with Quitline.
People who smoke or vape that enrol in the program will receive access to free combination NRT, such as patches and gum, sprays or lozenges, subject to some eligibility criteria. Personalised support is also made available from trained Quitline counsellors with free and non-judgmental telephone support in managing cravings and stress.
NRT makes it more likely that a person’s attempt to quit smoking will succeed, with the chance of stopping smoking increasing by 50 to 60 per cent.
This is one measure supporting the statewide Tobacco Control Strategy 2023-27 that aims to reduce the prevalence of smoking in South Australians aged 15 and over to six percent by 2027. While the prevalence has trended downwards in recent years, more needs to be done to keep on track to hitting that target.
Smoking continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in Australia. Preventive Health SA is introducing a range of initiatives to keep driving down smoking rates, including media campaigns, evidence-based quitting services, product and sale regulation and strong enforcement of tobacco and e-cigarette laws.
For more information to start your journey to quitting, call Quitline on 13 7848 or visit the Quit website.
Quotes attributable to Preventive Health SA Chief Executive, Marina Bowshall:
Preventive Health SA is proud to be able to support members in our community by providing free nicotine therapy products and ongoing support and counselling to those who are ready to quit.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a smoke-free life if they choose to do so, no matter what barriers they face.
We know that restrictions can only do so much, so turning to education and empowerment programs like this is another step in helping people to successfully quit.
Quotes attributable to Quit Director, Rachael Andersen:
Smoking still kills 66 Australians every day, that’s 24,000 people every year. We have a responsibility to provide more people with effective methods of cessation in affordable, accessible ways. This pilot is a wonderful step forward.
I want to remind anyone in the grips of nicotine addiction that support is available to you. Quitline counsellors are empathetic and non-judgemental and they’re ready to work with you at any stage of your quitting journey. Whether it’s your first attempt or your tenth.
For more information call the SA Health Media Line: 08 8226 6488.