If you want to stop smoking, your GP is here to support you

With the assistance of counselling, support and medications you can successfully quit smoking. Making an appointment with your GP is the first step. They will talk to you about options available to you and help you make a quitting plan.

Think about the benefits

The Lung Foundation of Australia says "The effects of quitting are immediate

• After 12 hours, almost all nicotine will be out of your system.
• After 24 hours, the level of carbon monoxide in your blood will drop dramatically and you will have more oxygen in your bloodstream.
• Within 1 month, your blood pressure returns to its normal level and your immune system begins to show signs of recovery.
• After 2 months, your lungs will no longer be producing extra phlegm caused by smoking.
• After 1 year, your risk of dying of heart diseases is half of what it would have been if you kept smoking."

Make your plan

Your GP will help you make a plan to quit. You can also make a plan using Quitcoach. This is a free service that will help you through the process and provide information on what to expect, strategies to cope and setting a timeline.