Document Actions
Smoke-Free Is the Way to Be
On average, former smokers quit more than three times before being smoke-free for good.
 | In 2006, 19% of Canadians aged 15 and older smoked. Data from the 2007 Working Toward Wellness (WTW) survey showed that 22.5% of Chrysler Canada employees, aged 21 to 66, smoke. While smoking rates have dropped, there are still too many people who continue to smoke. |
The Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey showed that almost half (46%) of former smokers aged 25 and older tried quitting more than once before they actually quit. On average, former smokers quit more than three times before being smoke-free for good.
Quitting smoking not only benefits someone who smokes, but also improves the health and well-being of those around them. Someone who quits will notice immediate health benefits. They can save a lot of money too. Individuals who quit smoking need to quit for their own reasons and need to be supported during this time.
There are several ways to quit smoking. For example, some smokers quit ‘cold turkey’, some use nicotine replacement, and others use hypnosis. “One size doesn’t fit all”, so finding what works best for you is important. One theory suggests that change happens in a series of stages, with different issues and challenges at each stage. Read on to find out what stage you’re at and how to work through it.
Step 1 | You’re not thinking of quitting. A good place to start is to think about the things that make your smoking harmful to you or those around you. |
2 | You’re thinking of quitting, but aren’t quite ready. Ask yourself what you like about smoking. What stops you from quitting? Think about what your life will be like if you quit. |
3 | You’re getting ready to quit! Choose to quit based on what would work for you – that may mean going ‘cold turkey’ or cutting down slowly (for more information on quitting, see wtw.kickbutts.ca). |
4 | You’re going to quit. Commit to being smoke-free by setting a quit date and small quitting goals. Stay on track by rewarding yourself often. Ask your friends and family for help. Plan for small “bumps” along the way. |
5 | Stay smoke-free. Staying smoke-free is important. What things make you want to start smoking again? How can you deal with those things? Make plans for the challenges you see coming and those you don’t. Ask your loved ones, friends, and co-workers to help you with these things. |
Smoking is an addiction, so quitting probably won’t be easy. The good news is you don’t have to quit smoking on your own. Help is available! All employees, retirees, and their families who are eligible for, and enrolled in, a Chrysler Canada health care (or prescription drug) benefits program can use the CCI Smoking Cessation program. Find out more about this program on the WTW website, www.workingtowardwellness.ca, or talk to your benefits representative.
KEY REFERENCES:
Health Canada. (2008). The 5 stages to quitting: The stages of change. Retrieved October 31, 2008, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/tobac-tabac/quit-cesser/fact-fait/stages-etapes-eng.php
