Study Indicates Smoking Cessation Activity In Ireland Out Performs Europe according to research examining European attitudes to smoking.

The desire to give up cigarettes in the New Year is greater among Irish smokers than our European counterparts, according to research. Twenty per cent of Irish smokers intend to give up next month, which is considerably higher than the Italians (11%), English (12%) and indeed the European average (13%).1 These figures demonstrate a 100% increase on numbers intending to quit 4 years ago, when only 10% wanted to quit within the next month.1 The research was carried out by nicotine replacement therapy, NiQuitin CQ, in 9 European countries (Ireland, UK, France, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Poland, Netherlands). The antismoking climate in Ireland ranked number 1 amongst the 9 countries surveyed. 1 In fact 57% of Irish smokers claim that they intend to quit at some stage in the future. 2 According to the research, Irish smokers intending to quit have had an average of 5 previous attempts and 57% have tried to quit in the last 12 months.1 This demonstrates just how difficult quitting is. Yet when asked if they will use an aid, such as a nicotine replacement therapy, to assist their quit attempt, only 31% say they will. Willpower still remains the most popular future desired method to use (Ireland - 54% vs European average of 51%).1 'It is very encouraging to learn that Ireland is leading the way in smoking cessation, but worrying to see how many are still trying to quit cold turkey. Giving up cigarettes is an extremely difficult thing to do and smokers should avail of help. Using nicotine replacement therapy can double your chances of quitting successfully', commented Fenton Howell, Spokesperson, ASH Ireland. Irish healthcare professionals play a very active role counselling and advising smokers. Sixteen per cent of Irish smokers surveyed sought advice from a doctor, which is in line with the European average (17%), and 10% sought advice from a pharmacist, higher than the European average (7%).1 Nicotine replacement therapy, such as NiQuitin CQ, replaces the nicotine that is otherwise acquired from cigarettes with a lower dose of nicotine. It has been proven to double a smoker's chances of quitting successfully.3,4 NiQuitin CQ is available in a patch or lozenge format, and is free to medical card holders. NiQuitin CQ Clear offers smokers the choice to be more discreet about their quit attempt, and is the only clear patch that can be worn for 24-hours - an important benefit for many smokers who suffer from morning cravings when trying to quit. NiQuitin CQ Lozenge is an oral form of NRT, which provides a powerful treatment that tackles cravings fast and is particularly useful for smokers who actively like to control their cravings. NiQuitin CQ also comes with a free, tailored behavioural support plan - the CQ Stop Smoking Plan. Following the first ever online clinical trial of an NRT website it was recently announced that the CQ Stop Smoking Plan is proven to significantly increase quit rates.5 Users of any NiQuitin CQ stop smoking aid can log on to www.niquitin.ie or call 1800 21 14 07 to develop their own individualised plan, which will help them manage the behavioural habits associated with smoking and strengthen their chances of success. Smoking still remains the single greatest cause of preventable disease in Ireland. Approximately 7,000 people die every year from smoking-related diseases6 - this is ten times more than the number killed each year in road accidents. Smoking is a major cause of 90% of lung cancer deaths, 25% of deaths from heart disease and about 75% of deaths from bronchitis and emphysema.7 According to the World Health Organisation, tobacco is responsible for three million deaths worldwide each year.8

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