QUITTIN’ TIME

LOOKING TO KICK THE HABIT? YES YOU CAN, SAYS DR MENDELSOHN

IDENTIFY YOUR TRIGGERS

“And develop strategies to cope with them. If you smoke with [a drink], try to reduce or give up your intake, or drink in smoke-free areas. It often helps to have no alcohol in the early weeks.”

BOOST YOUR MOOD

“If cigarettes are being used to self-medicate anxiety and dysphoric mood, these disorders need to be addressed. Commonly used strategies include relaxation techniques, meditation and exercise.”

ONE OUT, ALL OUT

“Encourage a smoking partner or friend to quit.”

AVOID TEMPTATION

“I recommend people follow the ‘not-a-puff’ rule.” Yes, that means not even one drag.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED…

“If past attempts haven’t worked, try something different. Don’t just keep doing the same thing and failing every time. Talk to your GP, pharmacist or ring Quitline.”