Challenge Your Excuses

The majority of smokers want to quit someday – just not right now. Many people use excuses to justify their smoking to themselves and others. Ultimately excuses just delay quitting and further increase the risk of serious smoking-related illness.

“It’s my choice to smoke.”

Most people don't make an informed, adult decision to smoke. Over 90% of Australian smokers start as teenagers and by the time they better understand the consequences, they're hooked. You may feel it's your choice to smoke but do you really choose to increase your risk of illness and death? You can choose a better, healthier  life by making the decision to quit.

“You've got to die of something.”

Yes, but smokers are at a significantly increased risk of dying early. On average smokers die about 10 years younger than non-smokers. And death is not the only consequence to consider. Smoking-related illness can cause years of pain and suffering, seriously reducing quality of life.

“I knew someone who smoked all their life and lived until a ripe old age!”

The person who smokes their way into old age is a rare exception. Two thirds of all regular smokers will die as a result of smoking. And then there are the diseases that won't kill you, but will affect your daily life. Smokers are at a higher risk of blindness, erectile dysfunction, poor blood circulation (which can lead to gangrene and amputation) and hearing loss. Find out more about smoking and health here.

“More lung cancers are caused by air pollution than by smoking.”

Not true. Cigarette smoking is by far the main risk factor for lung cancer, with 90% of cases in men and 65% in women caused by smoking. Primarily a preventable disease, lung cancer is best avoided by not smoking. The good news for those who quit, even if well into middle age, is that most of the future risk of lung cancer is avoided.

“But I can’t go more than a few hours without a cigarette.”

Smokers are physically dependent on nicotine in cigarettes, a drug that reinforces and strengthens the desire to smoke and keeps users smoking. Although quitting can be difficult, it is achievable. There are many health professionals, quitting services and pharmaceutical products that can aid quitting. And there are now more ex-smokers in WA than there are smokers – proof that you can overcome nicotine addiction.

“I tried to quit and I put on weight.”

Some smokers may gain a small amount of weight when they quit, however, remaining a smoker is far more of a health risk than minor weight gain. A lot of it comes down to what you replace cigarettes with, for example, stick to healthy snacks instead of junk food. Or use exercise as a method to distract yourself from cravings.

“Everything causes cancer these days.”

Thinking everything causes cancer is  inaccurate and suggests that nothing can be done to prevent this disease. In fact, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer, and avoiding tobacco is high on the list. Smoking is a known cause of many cancers as well as cardiovascular disease, and respiratory and other illnesses. In fact, smoking harms nearly every organ in your body. The good news is, your body begins to repair itself as soon as you smoke your last cigarette.

“I’m only a social smoker.”

There is no safe level of smoking. Anyone who smokes can become addicted to nicotine and “social” smoking can quickly become regular smoking. Over time the body gets used to nicotine, reducing its effect, which can lead people to increase the amount they smoke.  Research has shown that even just 1-4 cigarettes a day can almost triple a smoker's risk of dying from lung cancer or heart disease.

“It’s too late for me, the damage is done.”

Long term smokers may feel that it’s too late to quit. However, stopping smoking has major and immediate health benefits for men and women at any age. Even people who already have smoking-related illness can benefit from quitting. There is every reason to quit smoking now and start enjoying a healthier life.

“I don’t think I can quit.”

You may avoid quitting, thinking it’s just too hard. It’s understandable to be nervous, especially if you've tried before. But rest assured, many smokers need to make several attempts before they finally quit for good. The best advice is to keep trying and learn from past attempts. You can quit successfully with careful planning and preparation. And you don’t need to do it alone, there is support available.