Press advisory - New Years resolutions… a strategy for smokers

“Don't quit smoking onNew Years day” says ASH

“Don't try to quit smoking on New Years day - it's one ofthe worst days in the year to try it”. That is the advice that anti-tobacco campaigners ASH is giving tosmokers wondering whether it would make a good New Years resolution.  Unless smokers are already mentally preparedand have it all planned out, New Years Day is one of the hardest days toquit.  ASH is advising smokers thathaven't yet made the necessary preparations to make a resolution and start theprocess on New Years day, then commit to quit on or before No Smoking Day (13March 2002).

Clive Bates, Director of ASH said:

“Smokers that seriously want toquit should use New Years Day to make the resolution and start the mentalpreparation, but only take the step of cutting out the cigarettes when they aregood and ready to do it.”

“Quitting is like a siege againstaddiction to nicotine, and you need to build up motivation, find out what willhappen, get the best tips, plan some distracting social activities, talk toyour doctor about drugs that might help, and make sure family and friends areonside.”

“Most people wake up feeling pretty rough on NewYears Day, and then have to face relatives or even more festive fun.    The hectic Christmas period leaves no roomfor the serious business of preparing to quit, so it can be one of the worstdays to try. 

“Unless you've really planned forit, trying to quit smoking on New Years Day is like getting out of bed late andtrying to nip up the North face of the Eiger in your pyjamas.  Why make it harder than it already is?”

ASH suggested the following six-point plan:

1.      On New Years Day make a resolution to quit on or before NoSmoking Day (13 March)

2.      Set a quit date and stick to it - for example;

a.      Burns night (25 Jan)

b.      ASH Wednesday and Lent (13 Feb)

c.      Valentine's Day (14 Feb)

d.      No Smoking Day (13 March)

e.      Any other day that suits you - more than a week away

3.      On New Years Day or shortly after phone one of the helplines and ask for advice on how to quit and to be sent some information

a.      0800 1690169 NHS Smokers' Helpline

b.      0800 002200 Quitline

4.       Discuss options a pharmacistand make an appointment to see the doctor. Ask what advice or support they canoffer, and ask about drugs such as nicotine replacement therapy or Zyban, whichdoctors can now offer on prescription.

5.      Try to find others to join you - especially your partner - andget friends and family involved.

6.      Consult key web sites for further information (see http://www.ash.org.uk/?press for links)

·        ASH - on-line quittingresources

·        No Smoking Day - lots of usefulstuff for the run up to 13 March  

·        NHS smokers' web site

·        Quit - the charity that helps people give up smoking

ENDS

Contact: ASH office - 020 7739 5902.