ISLANDERS who have made a new year’s resolution to stop smoking are being strongly advised to use Jersey’s free Help2Quit service.
Smokers are three times more likely to give up for good if they use a support service than if they try to quit unaided.
Dr Rhona Reardon, Help2Quit’s lead nurse specialist, said: “Smokers and others may think smoking is a lifestyle choice or just a habit, but it is not. It is an addiction. If it was simply a choice, it would be easy to quit without support.
“Quitting can be tough and quitting without support has the lowest success rate.”
During the first session, a specialist nurse will assess a client’s smoking levels and carry out a breath test to measure their level of exposure to carbon monoxide.
The nurse will then offer advice on the best method of quitting for them and the most suitable stop smoking medicines and treatments, such as nicotine replacement therapies.
Dr Reardon added: “We also help people identify triggers for smoking and how to cope at these times. Smokers are five times more likely to quit for good if they get through 28 days without a puff on a cigarette – and we are here to help them.”
Those using vapes in an effort to quit smoking are also welcome to use the service.
For more information call 0800 735 1155 or email help2quit@health.gov.je.
