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Quit for Good this January with free NRT from the HSE

The HSE is reminding people across counties across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary that those who use Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) double their chances of quitting smoking successfully.

This “Quit Month” (January 2025), people who smoke are being encouraged to access support to stop from the HSE.

Record numbers of people have used the HSE’s QUIT Service since it started providing free NRT in 2023. The percentage of people smoking in Ireland was 17% in 2024. One in five people aged 25-34, however, still smoke.

The HSE’s Stop Smoking Services are encouraging anyone who smokes to take the 28 day “Stop Smoking Challenge” and quit smoking for the month of January.

Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer with the HSE and South East Lead for Tobacco and Smoking Cessation Áine O’ Gorman says:

“Quitting is the single best thing you can do to improve your health. If you quit smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to quit for good.”

“Our friendly stop smoking advisors are available to provide personalised, free, non-judgemental support as close to your home as possible.”

The HSE Dublin and South East Stop Smoking Stop Smoking Service offer:

  • Free one to one behavioural support with a trained  stop smoking adviser
  • Free Carbon Monoxide Testing
  • Free Nicotine replacement therapy

Follow up appointments for one full year.

“You are up to four times more likely to stop smoking for good if you use a combination of stop smoking medication (NRT) and receive support from a HSE Stop Smoking Adviser. Our service provides free NRT in the form of sprays, mists, lozenges and patches. You can use any type of NRT that you want and your Stop Smoking Advisor will help you decide which is best for you.”

“Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) are licensed medicines that safely give you just enough nicotine to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while reducing your dependence on nicotine gradually. They help you cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. NRT does not contain the poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as tar and carbon monoxide. NRT products from the HSE are checked for safety by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).”

Contact your free local Stop Smoking Adviser today to take your first step.

Email: SouthEastStopSmokingSupport@hse.ie

Freephone: 1800 201 203

Web: www.Quit.ie

Last updated on: 09 / 01 / 2025