Stoptober - quit for good!

 A new nationwide survey released this Stoptober shows 95% of ex-smokers see positive changes in their life as early as two weeks after quitting. 

The survery comes as Fresh has joined with us to encourage people to join the tens of thousands of people quitting for this year’s Stoptober’s mass quit attempt.

In the North East the research found that some of the top benefits ex-smokers saw within two weeks of quitting included:

• more energy (36%)
• feeling healthier (37%)
• breathing better (37%)
• as well as improvements in health, many respondents also noticed improvement in their ability to exercise (21%), healthier looking skin (24%), sense of taste returning (26%), and saving money (31%)
• on average, a smoker could save £38 a week by quitting smoking, which is around £2000 a year. [1]

While stopping smoking can be challenging, the survey also revealed where people find support to quit, with family and friends and talking to others who have quit smoking  rated as key motivators. Other top tips included finding a distraction from smoking such as keeping hands busy, changing routine and going for walks.

These findings reinforce the near-immediate improvements smokers can expect when they quit – including improvements to senses of taste and smell within as little as 48 hours.

Matthew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing, said: "Smoking is such an expensive habit, both in financial and health terms.
“Our no smoking hub staff work hard to support smokers wishing to quit. If you are a smoker living in Darlington and would like help, please do visit www.darlingtonstopsmokinghub.org.uk, a single point of access for advice, support and tips. It’s not easy, but with support, Stoptober can be your time to quit!”

Ailsa Rutter OBE, director of Fresh and Balance, said: “This Stoptober you can do it. It’s a chance for a new start. Believe in yourself and get the right support to beat the cravings – it can make all the difference.

“There are so many benefits to quitting smoking and it is never too late as your body starts to recover. Within weeks you feel fitter and can breathe easier. But as the weeks and months go by you reduce the risks of a life-altering disease.

“Within a few weeks you can feel calmer and less stressed. Quitting is also good for your family finances – it might not solve your money worries but it will ease them.”

Smoking rates are declining and the North East has seen the largest fall in England, from 29% of adults smoking in 2005 to 13.1% in 2022. But over five million adults in England still smoke and smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in the country - linked to 64,000 deaths a year. The total cost from smoking to society in England is approximately £17 billion a year, this includes the cost to the NHS of treating diseases caused by smoking at approximately £2.4 billion a year. Smoking costs the North East a staggering £992 million a year.

Stopping smoking brings multiple long term health benefits, including a reduced risk of several cancers and lung diseases. Just one year after quitting, the risk of a heart attack is halved and after 10 years, the risk of death from lung cancer falls to half that of a smok

Stoptober is based on evidence showing that if you can make it to 28 days smokefree, you're five times more likely to quit for good.

Visit Darlington Stop Smoking Hub for help.