How to Quit

Supporting People to Quit

What does a tobacco-free sport and recreation policy have to do with quitting smoking? As it turns out, quite a bit.

Strong evidence shows that more people reduce or stop using tobacco products when tobacco-free policies are in place. This may be because there are fewer opportunities to use tobacco, or because of the influence of an increasingly smoke-free community environment. It is important for your organization to help people interested in quitting smoking. This will help position your organization as a helpful resource, and can encourage people to follow your tobacco-free policy. Even more importantly, it will provide a supportive community environment for people who want to quit smoking.

While more than half of current smokers in Ontario report that they want to quit smoking, every year
fewer than 10% of adult smokers actually achieve this goal. (OTRU, 2006)

Although half of all former smokers report that they quit on their first try, others require several attempts and medications before they succeed. (Fiore MC, Jaen CR, Baker TB, et al. 2008)

How You Can Help

Quitting smoking is a personal decision, and can be a difficult challenge. You can help people who are encouraged to quit smoking because of your tobacco-free sport and recreation policy.

  • Include a brochure or flyer about support for quitting smoking with information about your organization’s new tobacco-free policy.
    Resources are available from your local Canadian Cancer Society office, your public health agency, or by contacting the Smokers’ Helpline directly at 1-877-513-5333 or www.smokershelpline.ca.
  • Have quit smoking materials and brochures to promote smoke-free homes readily available in your organization office and facilities.
  • Refer people to the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 or www.smokershelpline.ca to get advice and support.
  • If there are enough people involved in your organization who want to quit smoking or learn about the health effects of secondhand smoke, consider bringing in a smoking cessation professional to speak at an organization meeting, or host a quit smoking group. Call your local public health agency for more information.