Thousands Of New Year Quit Attempts In Birmingham Doomed To Go Up In Smoke
Published 10th Jan 2012 by Emma

Two thirds (64 per cent) of Birmingham based smokers, the equivalent of 146,000 people, will try and quit smoking in January1a but half will have failed within just one week, according to a new survey among 6,300 current or former smokers1b. In addition, one in ten quit attempts will last less than 24 hours1c.

In Birmingham, 22 per cent of adults smoke4, a figure which is higher than the national average of 21%5. The average smoker admits to having unsuccessfully attempted to quit three times before1d, with one in ten (12 per cent) having tried five times or more1e. Despite this, 57 per cent feel confident that they will quit smoking within the next six months1f.

The survey, commissioned by Pfizer Limited to launch its Don’t Go Cold Turkey campaign, revealed the most popular method to quit smoking in Birmingham is going ‘cold turkey’ – a method of trying to give up immediately using willpower alone (38 per cent)1g. However, research suggests this is the least effective method with only three per cent remaining smoke-free after one year2.

As part of the campaign, a ‘Don’t Go Cold Turkey’ road show will be heading to Birmingham’s The Bullring shopping centre on Wednesday 11th January. Smoking cessation advisors will be on hand to offer brief advice to smokers who are motivated to quit, while cold turkey sandwiches will be given out to illustrate the point that ‘there is a time and a place for cold turkey and quitting smoking isn’t one of them’. The road show aims to ensure that motivated quitters are aware of the options available to them, while helping them to understand how taking the right approach can significantly increase the chances of successfully breaking the cycle of nicotine dependence.

Revealing the extent of nicotine addiction amongst Birmingham’s smokers, 42 per cent admit to stealing a cigarette from a friend or work colleague in desperation1h, while 28 per cent have smoked the remains of a previously discarded cigarette butt because they had run out1i. Furthermore, almost one in five (21 per cent) have picked apart a broken or half-finished cigarette to fashion a new one1j and six per cent even confessed to raiding their child’s piggy bank to buy more cigarettes1k. Perhaps not surprisingly, 55 per cent agree that quitting smoking is one of the hardest things you can ever do1l.

Lisa Maxwell, presenter on TV show Loose Women and ex-smoker, is supporting the campaign and, speaking for the first time about her experiences giving up smoking, said: “I had a high level of nicotine addiction and at times smoked 30 cigarettes a day. Breaking this addiction has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever had to face. As part of the quitting process I sought help and advice from a healthcare professional and fully recommend this as the most successful route for quitting.”

However, only 13 per cent have taken time before starting a quit attempt to consider their options for support and what would work best for them1m. Furthermore, just one in five have sought advice from a healthcare professional or the NHS stop smoking service1n, despite research showing this can increase the chances of success by up to four times compared to going it alone3.

Of the former smokers in Birmingham, 19 per cent recommend those who want to quit seek advice from a doctor, local stop smoking service or other healthcare professional1o while 40 per cent would encourage a planned and well prepared approach to increase chances of success1p.

Visit www.quitwithhelp.co.uk for more information and advice on quitting smoking.
Ends

For further information, please contact:
Tom Sommerfelt
Pegasus PR on 01903 821550 or tsommerfelt@pegasuspr.co.uk

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