Smokers trying to quit cigarettes are over 10% more likely to succeed if they live with at least one other person.**
That's according to recent research from The Office for National Statistics who look at smoking habits in Great Britain.
Their data has revealed that just over 56% of smokers who lived with other people and tried to quit managed to go smoke-free.
But just 45% of smokers who lived alone that attempted to give up achieved the same goal.
The numbers echo the well documented claims that one-to-one support is a popular tool for giving up cigarettes.
And back up the thinking behind a new campaign called Hold My Light - a new, alternative month-long programme aimed at smokers who would like to go smoke free with the help of friends, family or even work colleagues.
In essence, it’s a no-limits mutual pledge between those who commit to give up their lighter for an initial 30 days and supporters who will offer a fun reward or incentive in return.
When you consider research reveals those who stop smoking cigarettes for four weeks are five times more likely to give up for good***, you have nothing to lose but plenty to gain.
Over 60% of smokers in Great Britain want to give up** and although there are more ways than ever before to help smokers quit completely - such as nicotine patches, gums and tablets. And there are better alternatives than continuing to smoke like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco - many will carry on smoking without the right help and support, as the figures show.
Once registered you can stay on track, share and celebrate your progress on social media...and maybe even get more supporters along the way!
See what works for you…
There are many ways to give up smoking cigarettes - here are some suggestions to try and personal stories to watch for inspiration...
Quit
- Willpower – many smokers succeed in quitting smoking by willpower alone. For inspiration on using willpower, check out Helena's story here.
- Cessation products include patches, gum or tablets – you can buy many over the counter but some are only available with a prescription from your doctor. For inspiration on using cessation products, check out Teri's story here.
Switch
- E-cigarettes or vapes – work by heating a flavoured liquid (with or without nicotine) to generate a vapour. For inspiration on using an e-cigarette, check out Kathleen's story here.
- Heated tobacco is a new product that heats rather than burns tobacco - removing the smoke that is found in cigarettes. For inspiration on using heated tobacco, check out Vaughan's story here.
*NHS Digital, 2018
**The Office for National Statistics, 2018
***Public Health England, 2018
