Fri, 01 Jun 2007
Smoking ban indicates chain smoking surge
With only a month to go before the 1st July smoking ban comes into effect DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP) are urging GP surgeries to help prepare patients for being smokefree as new research reveals there could be a surge in chain smoking when the ban comes into force.The worrying new research from health charity DPP shows that in a bid to get to grips with the imminent smoking ban, over a quarter of smokers (26%) admit that they plan to smoke even more cigarettes outside of work time and away from banned places.
The findings of research into what smokers are most likely to do in response to the smoking ban marks the launch of a new DPP initiative to help smokers and those who are planning to quit cope with being smokefree.
Encouragingly the research also shows that many smokers are seizing the moment. Nearly a third (32%) of smokers (29% of male smokers and 35% of female smokers) are making a date with the 1st of July to stop smoking altogether and just over a third (34%) believe they will smoke less due to the ban.
For all smokers the ban is life changing whether it has fuelled their appetite to quit or not. To help smokers and those planning to quit adapt to their new smokefree environment DPP have developed a handy new booklet packed full of useful advice on how to cope with not smoking in ‘normal’ situations which includes information on controlling cravings, how to stay focused and where to go for help for those who have decided that now is their time to quit.
According to Dr David Wrigley, GP in Lancashire and DPP Chairman:
"People are clearly panicking about how they are going to get through their day but seeking refuge in chain smoking is not the answer. This will only make smokefree times harder to handle, which is why we hope that our excellent new resource will give smokers the coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and see being smokefree from a more positive perspective.
On the other hand it’s great that so many smokers have decided that their response to the ban is going to be to stop smoking altogether. It is important that these people get the support that they need in order to do this and increase their chances of successfully quitting. Our booklet will steer people towards the excellent NHS stop smoking services and help them decide for themselves the best course of action to take."
ENDS
Contact: Rachel Dorban 0207 383 6780 rdorban@bma.org.uk or Pam Prentice 0207383 6144 pprentice@bma.org.uk
Notes to editors
- ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1006 adults aged 18+ between 11-13 April 2007. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk
- DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (formerly Doctor Patient Partnership) is a health education charity working with primary care organisations, businesses and the public www.dpp.org.uk