Stop Smoking’ Support
‘Stop Smoking’ support is available throughout the West Coast, no matter where you live! You can be referred, or you can contact any of the ‘Stop Smoking’ support people below or ask for support at your Medical Centre or Pharmacy.
The PHO funded Coast Quit smoking cessation programme is provided by trained smoking cessation support staff at your medical centre or local pharmacy.
The West Coast District Health Board smoking cessation programme is provided by trained ‘Stop Smoking’ support people at your local hospital or in a location that suits.
The Community and Public Health, Oranga Ha–Tai Poutini smoking cessation programme is provided by trained ‘Stop Smoking’ support people in a location that suits.
‘Stop Smoking’ support is based on two things: Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - patches, gum or lozenges- to reduce the withdrawal effects that can happen when you stop smoking and one-to-one support sessions for several weeks, while you make the lifestyle change from smoker to ex-smoker.
Most people find that it takes them a while to get over their desire for a cigarette. This is normal, and will soon fade away, especially when you start to feel the benefits from not sucking poisonous smoke into your lungs every day!
Your ‘Stop Smoking’ support person is there to offer advice and encouragement and to help you keep on track during the first few weeks.
For more information, contact any of the following ‘Stop Smoking’ support people:
Ann McDonald – Te Nikau Hospital (based Greymouth and Hokitika) Ph: 03 769 7488
Jeanette Thomas – Buller Hospital (based Westport - Buller District) Ph: 03 788 9238
Oranga Ha – Tai Poutini (Stop Smoking West Coast)
Stephen Brassett (based Greymouth and Hokitika) Ph: 0800 456 121
Smokefree Pregnancy and Newborn Incentives Programme
Are you pregnant (less than 28 weeks) and wanting help to stop smoking?
Have you heard of the Smokefree Pregnancy and Newborn Incentives programme?
This 12-week pregnancy and 18-week newborn programme provides you with ongoing support to quit smoking and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) (if needed) PLUS New World vouchers for every week you stay smokefree. You can get vouchers up to a total value of $350 while on this programme and if you stay smoke-free after baby is born, the vouchers can continue for the next four months.
For more information contact your LMC or any of the ‘Stop Smoking’ support people listed above
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): what type and what dose to use.
NRT comes in one longer-acting form, which is the 24-hour skin patch, and several shorter-acting forms, which are the gum, lozenges, inhalator, and mouth spray.
The patches come in three strengths; the gum and lozenges come in two strengths; and the inhalator and mouth spray in one strength.
Some people use just the one product at a time – either a longer-acting patch (one a day) or one of the shorter-acting products (several times a day). Others use a combination of the patch plus gum or lozenges or the inhalator. The choice will depend on how strongly addicted you are, and your personal preference (e.g., some people can’t chew gum; others don’t like the mouthfeel or taste of the lozenges, etc.).
Recommendation for moderate to heavy smokers.
If you have your first cigarette within an hour of waking, and/or smoke 10 or more per day, the recommendation is to start on a 21mg (higher dose) patch and use either lozenges or gum or the inhalator during the day. These shorter-acting products can be used hourly throughout the day – not just when you feel a craving (they take longer to act than a cigarette).
Having a choice of two strengths means if you feel that the dose is too strong (you might feel some nausea, or a faster heartbeat) you can switch to a lower strength or space out your use of the gum/lozenge/inhalator.
Recommendation for light smokers.
If you have your first cigarette more than an hour after waking, and/or smoke fewer than 10 per day, the recommendation is for the lower-strength oral products (gum/lozenge/inhalator), starting before you would normally have your first cigarette. These can be used on their own or in combination with a 14mg patch.
The Mouth Spray (“Quick Mist”) is the most concentrated form of NRT, and can give the fastest relief from nicotine withdrawal, but the effect also wears off more quickly.
If you are using NRT to help you stop smoking (not just to manage your need to smoke while at work), you can cut down the dose and the amount of NRT over a period of several weeks as the cravings for a smoke fade away. It is considered safe and often helpful to keep using NRT for 3 to 6 months after stopping smoking, to help prevent a relapse (e.g., if under stress, or on an impulse).
How to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Patches: 24-hour patches come in three strengths: 21mg, 14mg & 7mg
Once the correct dose is advised and prescribed:
The patch is applied to a clean, dry hairless area of skin and removed at the end of the day (16 hours) or replaced the next day (24 hours).
Allow skin to dry for 10 minutes after showering before applying patch.
It is advisable to change sites daily e.g., from left upper arm to right upper arm, to avoid skin irritation.
If sleep disturbance occurs, take the patch off at night.
Patches should be used for at least 8 weeks and can also be used together with other NRT choices.
Although it is not necessary to wean off the patches, some people may wean down by reducing the dose.
Lozenges: Come in two strengths: 1mg & 2mg
Suck until taste becomes strong.
Park between the cheek and gum.
Suck again when taste has faded.
Park again and continue as above until lozenge is finished.
When parking the lozenge, it is important to use both right and left cheeks.
Avoid drinking fluids when using the lozenge.
Inhalator
Put a cartridge into the inhalator (see instructions on the packet)
Puff on the inhalator for 20 minutes each hour (or whatever suits you) and replace the cartridge every 3-4 hours.
If you are using less than this the cartridge will last longer.
In cold weather it is advisable to keep the inhalator warm so the nicotine vapour can be released.
Gum: Comes in two strengths: 4mg & 2mg
Chew each piece slowly to release the nicotine.
When you taste a hot peppery flavour, park the gum.
Park the gum between cheek and gums to allow nicotine absorption.
After a few minutes the gum can be chewed again, then parked.
This is to be repeated for twenty to thirty minutes.
When parking the gum, it is important to use both right and left cheeks.
Use only one piece of gum at a time
Please dispose of used gum with care.
Avoid drinking fluids when using the gum.
To deal with cravings, remember the 4Ds:
DELAY: Pause, don't open a pack or light up a cigarette. After a few minutes, the urge to smoke will pass.
DEEP BREATHE: Take a long, slow breath in, and then breathe out slowly. Repeat three times.
DO SOMETHING ELSE: Take your mind off smoking by taking action - put on music; go for a walk; ring a friend; keep your hands busy.
DRINK WATER: Sip water slowly, holding it in your mouth for a few moments to enjoy the taste and freshness.
0800 778 778 www.quit.org.nz www.facebook.com/quitlinenz