Tobacco – Medium to High Risk

Thanks for using our self-assessment tool; you have indicated that you are using tobacco at a medium-high level.

As you have indicated a medium-high level of tobacco usage, you are at greater risk of health issues such as; shortness of breath, asthma and lung disease, reduced sense of taste and smell, gum disease and tooth decay, mood swings, difficulties with pregnancy or in becoming pregnant, irregular periods and early menopause, erectile dysfunction, cancer, increased risk of stroke and heart disease.

The good news is that if you stop smoking, your body can start reaping the benefits in just 8 hours!

• In 8 hours your blood is rid of excess carbon monoxide;
• in 1 month your blood flow is better which can improve the appearance of your skin;
• in 3 months your lung function has improved by 30%; and
• in 1 year you could have saved enough money to really treat yourself (check out this savings calculator to find out just how much you could save).

Is it time to reduce or quit your tobacco use? Check out  our tobacco resources section   , Touchbase (an LGBTI focused website for alcohol and other drug information and support) , ACON’s Smoke Free Still Fierce project for some great resources such as   10 Quick Quit Tips, The Cancer Institute’s   icanquit, or get in touch with ACON’s substance support service  here or on (02) 9206 2000.

You may also like to think about:

• Considering using the ‘cut down to quit’   resource or other resources from the I Can Quit  website.
• Giving yourself a helping hand and reduce how much you smoke by using nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, inhalers, sprays and lozenges which can be purchased from supermarkets and pharmacies.
  • You can use more than one product at a time (e.g. patch + inhaler) to better manage cravings.
  • Newer forms of nicotine replacement such as vapourising (e-cigarettes) may help reduce harm from smoking cigarettes but have not yet been approved in Australia.
  • You can ask your GP to prescribe you patches, subsidised through the PBS.
• Asking your GP to prescribe you a medication such as varenicline (Champix®) which has been shown to be effective in helping people quit.
• Considering calling the Quitline 13 7848 for free telephone advice and support.