New year, new you! How a setting a quit goal can put you on the right track
Posted 13 Jan, 2025
Sick of being addicted to smoking or vaping? Quit is reminding Australians that there’s never been a better time to give up.
“The beginning of a new year is a time to review priorities, and many of us think of health after the excesses of the festive season,” said Rachael Andersen, Quit Director. “One of the best things you can do for your health is to quit smoking or vaping. The good news is that free, confidential and non-judgemental quitting support is available to you.”
Quit provides a range of supports via quit.org.au including quitting smoking and vaping tips, tools, support and services tailored to meet Australians at any point on their quitting journey. Central to the service is Quitline with trained counsellors available to listen and offer advice on the best quitting strategies for you.
We spoke with some of the Quitline counsellors to get their top tips for quitting in the new year:
Find your “why” – write down the reason you want to always quit and keep it close. In times of craving, remind yourself of this reason.
Practice saying no in different settings. Perhaps you’re out with friends and someone offers you a cigarette. Or imagine you’re at a party when a vape is passed around. Maybe you’re sitting down with your housemate over a morning coffee. How will you refuse?
Identify your habits and patterns – do you tend to smoke or vape more when you’re relaxed or stressed, happy or feeling lonely? What can you do to shift these emotions and put other habits in place to support your quitting?
Be kind to yourself. Nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug, and Big Tobacco are always thinking of ways to make their harmful products more appealing and easier to keep using. It’s not your lack of willpower that’s keeping you smoking or vaping.
Remember, you’re not alone. And help is available!
So, turn that spark of motivation into a quit attempt in 2025. And don’t be disheartened if you have a slip up. Many people take a few attempts to stop entirely. And every try is a step closer to a life free from nicotine addiction. New year, new you!
- ENDS -
Media Contact
Prue Gildea Media Manager M: 0400 394 274 E: prue.gildea@cancervic.org.au
For support to stop smoking or vaping, connect with Quitline. message us on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger @QuitVic, live chat through quit.org.au or request a call back at a time that suits you. From Mon – Fri 8am to 8pm qualified Quitline counsellors are ready to support you on your quitting journey.