Why Quit?

Intro
You have your own individual, private reasons for wanting to stop smoking. Here, you'll find out about the effects of smoking, and the benefits of quitting - benefits you can enjoy no matter how long you've been a smoker. And the more you know as you get ready to give up, the more in control you'll be.


The Rewards of Quitting
You might have a tough time the first few weeks, with symptoms including a cough as your body rids itself of the tar and toxins in your lungs. But, within just a few hours after giving up, your health will start to improve. And soon, you and everyone around you will notice how much better you look. You'll feel better, and you'll quickly experience the financial benefits of giving up as well.


You'll look better
Every puff you have on a cigarette puts 4,000 different chemicals into your body, but some time after you've stopped smoking your skin should start to look brighter and younger than if you had continued to smoke, losing that smoker's dullness. This is because the levels of oxygen in your body will return to normal and your circulation will improve. You'll slow the formation of wrinkles, particularly the smoker's lines around your mouth and eyes. Your eyes might look whiter and brighter once they're no longer exposed to irritating smoke. The staining on your teeth and fingers will stop. And your breath, your hair, your clothes and your home will smell better. A lot better.

You'll feel better
Yes, giving up is really difficult. But you'll start reaping the rewards immediately. Food will taste better, your favourite smells will be more intense. You'll have more energy, and you'll breathe more easily than you have in years.


Have your last cigarette and...
After 20 minutes:
Your blood pressure and pulse will return to normal

After 8 hours:
The level of oxygen in your blood returns to normal

After 12 hours:
Your body's level of toxic carbon monoxide declines, and returns to non-smoking levels after 36 hours

After 24 hours:
Your risk of a heart attack is already decreasing

After 36 hours:
Nerve endings killed by cigarette toxins begin to grow again

After 3 days:
Your sense of smell and taste are as sharp as a non-smoker's. You already feel more energetic, and notice an improvement in your breathing

After 2 weeks:
Circulation improves

After 3 months:
Breathing problems (e.g. coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing) decrease

After 1 year:
Your risk of heart disease drops to half that of a smoker

After 5 years:
Risk of stroke is no more than that of a lifelong non-smoker

After 10 years:
Lung cancer risk is half that of a smoker

After 15 years:
Risk of heart disease is no more than that of a lifelong non-smoker



You'll Save Money
Do you know exactly how much you spend on cigarettes? You can find out here with our cash calculator. You'll see exactly how much you'll save in the short term and long term by giving up smoking. And then you can start thinking about what you'd like to do with the extra money you'll have.

Cash Calculator
You'll be surprised at how much money you can save when you give up smoking. Use our cash calculator, and see how quickly your savings will add up.

Fact Sheet
Download this fact sheet packed with everything you need to know about the effects of smoking and the rewards of quitting. You may need to download Acrobat Reader Version 4 to view the document, click here for more details.