Lifestyle
Quitting smoking will have a positive impact on your quality of life. Not only will you feel fitter and healthier, but you’ll also have the extra money in your pocket to indulge in your new smoke-free lifestyle.
Tobacco and alcohol
Many people link smoking with drinking alcohol. You might be used to having a cigarette with a drink, especially in social settings or as part of your routine. Because of this strong connection, drinking alcohol can make it harder to stick to quitting.
If you’re trying to quit smoking, it’s a good idea to limit or avoid alcohol - at least for a while. Cutting back can help reduce cravings and lower the chance of a slip-up.
If you're dependent on alcohol and want to quit smoking, it's important to talk to your doctor or healthcare specialist. They'll help you work out a safe plan to reduce your alcohol use and support you with both changes.
Did you know?
- If you’ve recently quit smoking, or are trying to quit, drinking alcohol in the first few weeks of quitting can increase your chances of returning to smoking.
- If you trying to quit alcohol use, smoking can greatly increase your chances of returning to alcohol.
Cannabis
If you smoke both tobacco and cannabis, quitting can be easier if you stop using both at the same time. That’s because the two habits are often linked - having one can trigger cravings for the other. For example, if you usually mix tobacco with cannabis or smoke them around the same time, continuing with one can make it harder to let go of the other.
By quitting both together, you break the connection between them and give yourself the best chance of staying smoke-free.
Did you know?
- Cannabis users who smoke the drug with tobacco are more likely to be dependent on cannabis and less likely to quit using cannabis.
- When you quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Drug treatment
If you’re receiving treatment to help you stop or cut down your use of alcohol or other drugs, quitting smoking will improve your treatment outcomes. You have a 25% greater chance of staying clear of alcohol or drugs if you quit smoking.
Depending on your drug use and treatment, you might not be able to use certain prescribed quit-smoking medications. This is because:
- There may be side effects of mixing some quit-smoking medications with other drugs or medications.
- Quit smoking medication may cause complications if you’re cutting down or withdrawing from another drug. You may be able to use prescribed medications, but it’s important to discuss your circumstances with your doctor.
If you use drugs or alcohol or are undergoing drug treatment, it’s important to have a chat with your doctor or treatment provider. They’ll help you find the quit-smoking method that’s right for you.
Create a Quit plan that’s tailored to your lifestyle, offers ongoing support and helps you track your progress.