Print this topic

HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Quitting smoking

Aukati i te momi

Being smokefree is one of the best things you can do for your health.

You will immediately get benefits when you quit, as your body starts to repair itself. It does not matter how old you are. Quitting will help you live longer, improve the quality of your life and save you thousands of dollars a year.

No one says quitting is easy, but every day people show it can be done.

You can find much more information and help to quit smoking by contacting Te Hā – Waitaha Smokefree Support or Quitline.

Quitline button

Why it can be hard to quit

Many people find it difficult to stop smoking. To stop, you need to work through all the habits that go with smoking, and you have to withdraw from nicotine. Nicotine is the ingredient in tobacco that keeps you addicted.

But there are many things you can do and services you can use to help you kick the habit for good.

Self-help for quitting smoking

Getting help with quitting smoking

Getting help more than doubles your chances of successfully stopping smoking. There is a lot of free help available and there will be a service near you.

Your general practice team

Talking to your general practice team can be a good place to start when you decide to quit smoking. They can tell you about the support services that can help you. They can also talk to you about the different medicines you can use to help you give up.

Te Hā – Waitaha Smokefree Support

Phone 0800‑425‑700 for stop-smoking information and support.

Register online on the Te Hā – Waitaha Smokefree Support website.

Quitline

Phone Quitline on 0800-778-778 or register online.

On the next page: Medicines that help you quit

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed April 2025.

Sources

Page reference: 45910

Review key: HIBSF-16604