I want to quit smoking - What now?

Published: 12 February 2025

If you’re thinking “I want to quit smoking,” you’ve already taken a powerful and courageous first step. The desire to quit means you’re ready to take back control over your health and future.

Quitting can feel overwhelming, especially when smoking is tied to stress relief or part of your daily routine. But the truth is, there are many effective, evidence-based ways to stop — and you don’t have to do it alone.

You might be considering going cold turkey or exploring other quit smoking methods. What matters most is finding the path that works for you and being open to support along the way.

You’re not alone – and you don’t have to do this alone

It’s completely normal to think “I want to quit smoking but I enjoy it.” Many people feel torn between their reasons to stop and the comfort smoking provides.

But you’re not weak for needing help to quit smoking — in fact, support can significantly boost your chances of success. Whether it’s guidance from a pharmacist or encouragement from a quitline, reaching out can make a real difference.

Quitwise is here to help by connecting you with trained pharmacists and resources that support quitting. They can help you access regulated therapies, making the journey more manageable and less intimidating.

Why quit? The benefits start sooner than you think

The benefits of quitting smoking begin within hours of your last cigarette — better breathing, improved circulation, and lower heart rate are just the start. Over time, your risk for heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer significantly drops.

You’ll also notice more energy, better sleep, improved taste and smell, and enhanced mental wellbeing. Not to mention the financial perks — with cigarette prices in Australia, quitting saves thousands of dollars annually.

The quitting smoking timeline is different for everyone, but progress happens faster than most people expect. Each smoke-free day brings your body closer to healing itself.

What are my options to quit?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the following quit smoking methods have helped thousands:

1. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

Patches, gum, lozenges, mouth sprays, and inhalers are available over the counter. They work by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings while gradually weaning you off nicotine.

2. Prescription medications

Medications like Varenicline or Bupropion may help manage cravings and reduce the urge to smoke. These require a prescription and are most effective when combined with support from a health professional.

3. Behavioural support

Support groups, quitlines, psychology, and quitting apps can provide motivation and coping tools. Addressing emotional triggers is key to long-term success.

4. Therapeutic nicotine vaping products (NVPs)

When other methods haven’t worked, some people consider vaping. Some evidence suggests therapeutic vapes may help manage cravings in certain individuals when used in a structured quit plan.

To be legally sold in Australia, quit smoking vape products must meet TGA quality standards. Products with less than 20mg/mL of nicotine can now be purchased without a prescription in most states, except WA¹ and TAS².

If you need a stronger product, you’ll still require a quit smoking vape prescription from your GP. These options should always be discussed with a healthcare professional to find what’s safest and most effective for you.

Thinking about a therapeutic vape? What you should know

As of 1 October 2024, Australia’s regulations on therapeutic nicotine vaping products have changed³. Products with less than 20mg/mL of nicotine can now be accessed without a prescription — but only if they’re from pharmacies.

Stronger options still require a valid prescription, and all products must meet strict manufacturing and safety standards. It’s important to avoid unregulated or black-market vapes, which may contain harmful or unknown substances.

Quitwise can help you find trained pharmacies that stock therapeutic nicotine vapes. For eligible products, no GP appointment is needed, saving you time and stress.

Disclaimer: Nicotine vaping products are not currently approved by the TGA as smoking cessation aids. They are regulated as prescription medicines and must meet specific quality standards.

To sum up...

If you want to quit smoking, realizing that you need to quit is always the first step to success — and you’ve already taken it.

You’ll save lots of money from cigarette spending, and, with the help of affordable quitting solutions such as therapeutic vapes, you’re well on your way to success.

It’s helpful to know that not all pharmacies may supply vapes near you. That’s why Quitwise has an accurate nationwide directory of pharmacies that are verified as stocked and trained suppliers.

Take the first step today and let Quitwise help you find the support you deserve!