More Help for Smokers to Quit
Nova Scotians who want to quit smoking can now get more help through their local Addiction Services office.
With funding from the province's tobacco strategy, district health authorities hired eight new nicotine treatment staff across the province. These specialists work with the other members of local addiction teams to plan and deliver quit-smoking programs in their communities.
The range of services offered by Addiction Services in each area varies depending on the needs of clients. Services can include self-help resources, individual counseling, group therapy programs and quit-smoking aids such as patches and gum for appropriate clients.
"Offering help to people who want to quit is an important part of our overall strategy to reduce Nova Scotia's high smoking rates," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We have a comprehensive, well-funded strategy that was developed by stakeholders and we're building on that strategy in each successive year."
The 2003-04 budget included $250,000 more for the tobacco strategy, bringing the total annual investment in the strategy to $1.75 million. The new funding will allow Addiction Services offices across the province to expand their range of services. Clients who take part in programs offered through Addiction Services, and are assessed as needing quit-smoking aids, will now get them free of charge during the course of their treatment.
"Not everyone needs help to quit," said Everett Harris, director of Addiction Services for the Cape Breton District Health Authority. "Some people can quit on their own while others need more formal supports, like heavier smokers who have made several quit attempts, for example. We assess each client and work on an individual quit plan for them."
Nancy Hoddinott, tobacco co-ordinator for the Office of Health Promotion, said research and best practices show that quit- smoking aids work best when used in combination with some form of counseling and other supports.
"The environment in Nova Scotia is very supportive right now for individuals who want to quit smoking," she said. "Smoke-free workplaces and public areas significantly improve a person's chances of success. Higher tobacco prices and public awareness campaigns, and now accessible quit-smoking programs, such as those offered through Addiction Services and the Smokers' Helpline, will all work together to help more people quit."
The Canadian Cancer Society's Smokers' Helpline, which is part of the provincial tobacco strategy, offers live professional counseling and can also refer people to resources in their community, such as local Addiction Services offices.
People who want help to quit smoking can call their local Addiction Service offices listed in the white pages of the phone book, or call the Smokers' Helpline at 1-877-513-5333.