Journey to Quit Smoking
Most smokers want to quit, but for many, it takes multiple attempts
Resetting expectations: quitting may take multiple attempts
Nearly 2/3 of smokers seriously contemplate quitting in the next 6 months1
Almost half of smokers and recent quitters had made at least one quit attempt in the past year while 1/3 made multiple attempts1
96% of smokers who try to quit “cold turkey” will fail within 1 year2
Smokers not ready to quit actually quit at the same rate as those who were ready to quit, when offered pharmacotherapy3
For many smokers, it may take 30 or more quit attempts before being successful4
The path to quitting5
Like any other health conditions (diabetes, hypertension), offer all patients treatment that they must choose to opt out of.3
Motivation to quit may not predict abstinence
In one study, only 50% of those who ultimately quit initially said they were planning to.6
Same quit rate
Smokers not ready to quit actually quit at the same rate as those who were ready to quit, when offered pharmacotherapy.3
Same quit rate
Smokers not ready to quit actually quit at the same rate as those who were ready to quit, when offered pharmacotherapy.3
Intervention matters to patients
Advising all patients to quit, compared to no advice, significantly increases long-term abstinence.7
Smokers generally go through a series of stages on their way to quitting. People go through these stages at different rates and may go back to previous ones at different times.5
| The Stages of Change | |
|---|---|
| Precontemplation Not thinking about quitting |
May be discouraged by previous quit attempts so they think it’s impossible to quit |
| Contemplation Thinking about quitting, but not yet ready |
Thinks about quitting in the next 6 months or less. Patient will most likely respond to motivational interviews |
| Preparation Getting ready to quit |
Makes the decision to quit and takes small steps to formulate an action plan |
| Action Quitting |
Solidifies an action plan to stop smoking and to help deal with potential ‘slip-ups’ |
| Maintenance Remaining a non-smoker |
Stays on track and has completed the recommended length of treatment. Patient may also may need continued reinforcement to help prevent a relapse |
You make a difference
Physicians, nurses and pharmacists can have a significant effect on the smoking behaviour of their patients.8
Even less than 3 minutes of your counselling can make a big impact.9
Knowing which drugs interact with tobacco smoke can help inform dose adjustments, monitoring and smoking status changes.
Learn more about Quick Counselling