South Aussies are encouraged to take part in Quit Your Way in May, a campaign supporting people attempting to quit smoking and vaping in a way that works for them.
The campaign provides a supportive, community-based approach for people to try quitting, build skills and gain confidence, with evidence showing that supported quit attempts are more likely to succeed.
All quit attempts, whether short-term or long-term, are encouraged and celebrated.
For Eugenia Saccardo (pictured), this campaign marks three years since she successfully quit smoking after realising her habit was costing her more than her health, but around as much as a monthly mortgage repayment.
After trying to quit a few times before, even the support of her GP and patches wasn’t enough to help Eugenia. 
She knew she needed to find something that would help her quit long-term.
From the moment she signed up, the Facebook support group and the weekly calls with a Quitline counsellor helped her set a plan and stick to it and taught her not only the science behind addiction and her reasons for smoking, but the ways others were having success and new methods she could try.
It was a comment in the group that suggested Nicorette spray alongside the patches and Quitline counselling that ultimately worked for her.
Those four weeks with counselling focussed her to stay strong, and pure willpower and the support group got her through the rest and where she is now – happier, healthier and supporting others to quit.
"This is my third year of successfully quitting after doing the campaign and joining the Facebook group in 2023," Eugenia said.
"Doing the campaign for four weeks helped me stayed strong. Pure willpower and the support group got me through the rest."
Eugenia said that she was now seeing the "physical, spiritual and psychological benefits" of quitting.
"My advice is to take it minute by minute," she said.
"Sit with the craving and look at where it’s coming from – either your routine, usual habits or your coffee break or stress and find other ways to distract yourself like a walk or a drink of water.
"Be kind to yourself, keep moving forward and give yourself a pat on the back."
Delivered in partnership by Preventive Health SA and Quitline, the campaign seeks to engage and support people looking to quit vaping and smoking across the month of May and set them up for long-term success.
Whether it’s for you or someone you care about, May is a great time to quit smoking or vaping. Get support at quityourwayinmay.com.au
