Tobacco Reduction

Tobacco Reduction in the Western Region

Western Health is working diligently and continuously to achieve the goals of the Tobacco Reduction Strategy Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • Preventing children, youth and young adults from starting to use tobacco;
  • Protecting people from exposure to second-hand smoke;
  • Encouraging and assisting people to successfully quit using tobacco;
  • Changing attitudes about tobacco use.


Western Health in collaboration with provincial and regional partners is dedicated to tobacco reduction. As new initiatives come forward, Western Health will provide leadership and resources to implement programs and services that reduce the negative impact that tobacco use has on our people and communities.


Quitting Smoking

If you smoke, quitting is the very best thing you can do for your health. Cigarettes contain nicotine which creates an addiction. To increase your chances of successfully quitting smoking, a number of supports are available to assist you on that journey.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) (patch, gum, lozenges and inhaler): Using these products will provide you with nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking. These products help with withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to not smoking. Using NRT effectively can more than double your chances of success.

There are two non-nicotine oral medications to help people quit smoking: Zyban (bupropion) and Champix (varenicline). These medications appear to work in the addiction centre of the brain by relieving the psychological and physiological symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Adults, 18 years of age and older, who are registered under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) Access, Foundation (Income Support) or 65+ plans can access The Newfoundland and Labrador Smoking Cessation Program to help with the cost of medications or NRT products that are proven to help with quitting smoking. Click here for more information.

Talk to a counsellor. Research shows that using  stop-smoking products, along with counseling support improves an individual’s chances of successfully quitting smoking. The NL Smokers’ Helpline provides free, confidential, one-on-one support to help individuals quit smoking. Other services include web-based counselling, group counselling, workplace programs, self-help materials and information on how to help friends and family to quit. Call 1-800-363-5864 for more information.

Try an App: Breakitoff or KickAsh are two free options.

 

E-Cigarettes / Vaping                  

If you are not ready to quit, and are considering vaping or e-cigarettes, here are a few things to consider:

  • Vaping and using e-cigarettes is not a harmless activity. Long-term risks are not yet known.
  • Vaping products and e-cigarettes deliver nicotine in a less harmful way than smoking cigarettes.
  • Completely replacing cigarette smoking with vaping will reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Vaping is not recommended for non-smokers.

Visit Health Canada for more information.

Talk to your health care providers to learn more about your options for quitting smoking. Take advantage of all the supports and resources that are available to make this a long-lasting, life-changing journey. Every day is a good day to quit!