Quitting smoking and vaping, you can do it

GP and directorDr Ali Zubaidy

GP registrarDr Prishantha Sirisena

General practitionerDr Alice Najjar

General practitionerDr Christina Yeong

Book nowBulk billed for eligible patients

We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice

GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.

Fees and eligibility

Good to know before you book

01Support improves your chances

Combining advice and medicine improves the chance of quitting compared with trying alone.

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Your GP can create a plan with you.

02Quitline 13 78 48

Free phone counselling and callbacks.

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Your GP can refer you.

Call Quitline

03Nicotine replacement

Patches, gum, lozenges and sprays can ease withdrawal.

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Some are subsidised on prescription.

Treatments

04Slip-ups are normal

Many people try several times before quitting for good.

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Every attempt teaches you something.

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Find the care that fits

Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.

Getting ready

Your quit plan

Set a quit date, identify triggers, plan how to cope with cravings, tell people around you and remove cigarettes or vapes from your home and car.

Your GP can tailor a plan to your smoking or vaping pattern.

1Set a date
2Know your triggers
3Choose support and medicine
4Follow up

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Should I cut down first?

Some people do; quitting on a set date often works best.

What about withdrawal?

It usually peaks in the first week and eases over a few weeks.

Easing cravings

Nicotine replacement and medicines

Nicotine replacement therapy delivers nicotine without the harmful smoke. Using a patch with a faster-acting form, such as gum or lozenge, works better than one alone.

Other prescription medicines can also help; your GP will discuss options and side effects.

1Choose a combination
2Use enough
3Continue for 8 to 12 weeks
4Review progress

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Some products are subsidised on the PBS with a prescription.

Is NRT safe?

For most people it is much less harmful than smoking; your GP will check it suits you.

Can I use NRT in pregnancy?

Discuss with your GP.

Nicotine vapes

Quitting vaping

Many vapes contain high levels of nicotine. In Australia, vapes may only be sold in pharmacies, and the same support used for smoking can help with quitting vaping.

Your GP can help you plan a gradual or set-date quit.

1Understand your use
2Plan and support
3Manage cravings
4Follow up

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Can I get vapes to help quit smoking?

Therapeutic vapes are only available from pharmacies under current rules; talk to your GP or pharmacist.

Is vaping safer than smoking?

Vaping is not risk free; quitting both is the healthiest choice.

Teens and vaping

Young people

Vaping is common among young people and nicotine can be very addictive. Support is available and confidential.

Parents can find tips for starting the conversation through Quitline and the NSW Health website.

1Confidential chat
2Plan
3Support
4Follow up

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Can teens see a GP alone about vaping?

Usually from around 14 or 15.

Where can parents get help?

Quitline and NSW Health resources.

Understanding quitting smoking and vaping

Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.

Why nicotine is so addictive

Nicotine reaches the brain within seconds and triggers reward pathways. Over time the brain adapts, causing cravings and withdrawal when nicotine drops.

Medicines and support reduce cravings so you can break the habit.

Managing cravings

Cravings usually pass within a few minutes. Try the 4Ds: delay, deep breathe, drink water and do something else.

Fast-acting nicotine replacement can help too.

Vaping and your health

Vapes can contain nicotine and other chemicals that harm the lungs, and many are mislabelled. Their long-term effects are not fully known.

Quitting vaping benefits your health, mood and finances.

The cost of smoking

Smoking a pack a day costs many thousands of dollars a year. Quitting frees up money for things you value.

The Quitline website has a savings calculator.

What happens when you quit

Drag the slider to see how your body recovers after your last cigarette. Benefits start within minutes. Figures are general estimates from health authorities.

20 minutes

20 minutes12 hours2 to 12 weeks1 to 9 months1 year5 years10 years15 years

Book a quit appointment

What is my next step?

Wherever you are, there is a next step.

I am thinking about quitting

Write down your reasons and talk to your GP or Quitline.

Next stepCall Quitline on 13 78 48 or book.

I want to quit this month

Set a quit date and plan medicines and support.

Next stepBook a quit appointment.

I have tried before

Each attempt helps; your GP can adjust your plan.

Next stepBook a review.

I vape and want to stop

The same support used for smoking can help.

Next stepBook an appointment.

I am pregnant

Quitting is one of the best things for your baby; support is safe and available.

Next stepBook with your GP.

Nicotine replacement and medicines Quitting vaping

Myth or fact?

Test what you know about quitting smoking and vaping. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.

Most people quit on their first attempt.

Many people try several times before quitting for good.

Combining support and medicine improves your chances of quitting.

Talk to your GP or Quitline about a plan.

Vaping is risk free.

Vapes can contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals.

0 of 3 answered

Evidence, sources and advertising standards

Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:

Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.

The numbers worth knowing

0Minutes

Heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop.

0Hours

Carbon monoxide levels return to normal.

0Year

Heart disease risk falls by about half.

13 78 48Quitline

Free support.

Everyone involved, around you

Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.

Find out more

Youat the centre of your care

Quitting smoking and vaping at every stage

Plan and quit date.

Your quit plan

NRT, medicines and support.

Handling slips and triggers.

Your quit plan Young people

Who can help

Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with quitting smoking and vaping. These team members list it among their interests.

GP FellowDr Mofada Hadi

Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.

GP and directorDr Ali Zubaidy

Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.

GP registrarDr Prishantha Sirisena

Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.

General practitionerDr Alice Najjar

Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.

General practitionerDr Christina Yeong

Holistic, evidence-based care with an international perspective, for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.