On average, smokers admit to having unsuccessfully attempted to quit three times before, with one in five (19%) having tried five times or more. Despite this, half (51%) feel confident they will quit smoking within the next six months1.
The most popular method to quit smoking is going 'cold turkey' - trying to give up immediately using willpower alone (45%). However,research suggests this is the least effective method with only 3% remaining smoke-free after one year. A quarter chose this approach because they just want to get on with it, while 16% misguidedly think it's the most credible way to quit smoking.
The research, commissioned by Pfizer Limited to launch its Don't Go Cold Turkey disease awareness campaign, revealed that one in five (21%) have opted to cut back on the amount of cigarettes they smoke in a bid to combat their addiction. In addition, 8% have tried hypnosis and five per cent have had a go at meditation.
Revealing the extent of nicotine addiction amongst many smokers, 41% admitted to stealing a cigarette from a friend or work colleague in desperation, while a quarter (26%) have smoked the remains of a previously discarded cigarette butt because they had run out.
However, only one in ten (11%) have taken time before starting a quit attempt to consider their options for support and what would work best for them. Nearly half (47%) have failed to make use of support from friends and family by keeping quit attempts a secret, due to worries about failing and concern they will be tempted to smoke by others.
Furthermore, just one in five (19%) have sought advice from a healthcare professional or the NHS stop smoking service, despite research showing this can increase the chances of success by up to four times compared to going it alone.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, BBC medical correspondent and practising GP, says: "Many smokers are unaware of the help and support available from their healthcare professional. As a GP, I'm aware that people often fail to quit because they don't take the right approach. I want those who are motivated to give up smoking to consider that even a brief conversation with their healthcare
professional or local stop smoking service can increase their chances of success by up to four times, compared to going 'cold turkey'. People should consider how they can positively influence their chances of quitting."
The Don't Go Cold Turkey campaign aims to ensure smokers who want to quit are aware of the options available to them and understand how taking the right approach can significantly increase the chances of successfully breaking the cycle of nicotine dependence. Visit www.quitwithhelp.co.uk for
more information and advice on quitting smoking.
MILLIONS OF NEW YEAR QUIT ATTEMPTS DOOMED TO GO UP IN SMOKE 
