More Help for Smokers to Quit

Nova Scotians who want to quit smoking have even more support. The Office of Health Promotion is investing $200,000 more this year, bringing funding to $1.1 million for nicotine treatment staff and quit-smoking aids.

Eight nicotine treatment staff in addiction services centres across the province work with the other members of local addiction teams to plan and deliver quit-smoking programs in their communities. People who smoke can receive quit-smoking aids such as patches and gum if they take part in counselling.

"We're giving people good reasons not to smoke, limiting the places they can smoke and, perhaps the most important step, we're helping them to quit when they make that decision," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "The quit-smoking programs help people through the physical and emotional challenges of quitting."

Todd Leader is district manager for Addiction Services in South Shore Health, South West Health and Annapolis Valley Health. He said demand on their programs increased dramatically in the past year and that a significant portion of that increase is because the quit-smoking aids are free.

"One of the reasons people avoid quitting is that the withdrawal is physically hard. These aids clearly help people get through that stage so they can deal with other things," said Mr. Leader. "Being able to provide these aids free of charge is a wonderful asset and is helping people successfully quit."

The province's $2.1 million comprehensive tobacco strategy includes public awareness campaigns, smoke-free places, increased tobacco taxes and quit-smoking programs.

The Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers' Helpline, which is part of the provincial tobacco strategy, offers live professional counselling and can also refer people to resources in their community, such as local Addiction Services offices.

People who want help to quit smoking can call their local Addiction Service offices listed in the white pages of the phone book, or call the Smokers' Helpline at 1-877-513-5333.

9:59 a.m., Sunday, May 9, 2004