Thousands More Want to Quit Smoking

NEWS RELEASE

Embargoed until 11 am Friday May 30.

Thousands More Want to Quit Smoking
Quit Attempts up by almost 30%

It’s all about trying to quit smoking – and the more you try the more you are likely to succeed. And the dramatic drop in smoking shown in figures released by the government today show that this is just what smokers are doing.

This drop – particularly among Maori and Pacific groups - mirrors a marked increase in smokers using the Quit Group’s services. In the first quarter of 2008 almost 11,700 smokers accessed the Quit Group to try and quit. This compares with about 9,200 for the same period in 2007.

“International research shows that the majority of smokers have to make a number of ‘quit attempts’ before they are successful so at the Quit Group we provide the motivation and support to give smokers the boost they need to keep on trying,” said Quit Group Executive Director, Helen Glasgow today.

“In 2007 the Quitline – which is at the core of what we offer smokers wanting to quit – received over 76,000 calls. This number is continuing to climb as smokers realise that it is never too late to quit and that it is possible with the right attitude and support,” said Ms Glasgow.

“It is not surprising that smoking rates have declined as large numbers of smokers are seeking help to quit and are accessing the government-subsidised nicotine patches and gum through the Quitline as well as through our website.

“The Government has also given smokers a lot more support in the last few years and has provided media campaigns to advertise the quitting services. It has also become more inconvenient to smoke, with the increased restrictions on in-door smoking,” says Ms Glasgow.

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