Department of Health

Quitting smoking and vaping

Key messages

  • If you are thinking about quitting smoking or vaping, needing help to stay on track, or to help others with quitting, you can call Quitline on 13 78 48 or visit www.quit.org.auExternal Link .
  • Quitting smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health.
  • Nicotine – which is found in both tobacco and most vaping products – is highly addictive.
  • When you quit smoking or vaping, you will have withdrawal symptoms. These can last from a few days to a few weeks – it's different for every person – but they are temporary.

Support to quit smoking and vaping

If you are thinking about quitting smoking or vaping, needing help to stay on track, or to help others with quitting, you can call Quitline on 13 78 48 or visit www.quit.org.auExternal Link .

What to expect when you quit smoking

  • Quitting smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health.
  • Withdrawal can be challenging, but it can help if you look at the symptoms as signs that your body is recovering.
  • Common symptoms include: cravings, restlessness, trouble concentrating or sleeping, irritability, anxiety, increases in appetite and weight gain.
  • Many people find withdrawal symptoms disappear completely after two to four weeks.
  • Changing your routine can help avoid those triggers that tell your brain it's time for a smoke.
  • Stop smoking medications can help you quit smoking.

For more information visit the Better Health Channel, What to expect when you quit smokingExternal Link .

Benefits of quitting smoking

Quitting at any age will reduce your risk of:

  • heart disease
  • stroke
  • cancer
  • chronic bronchitis, and several other health conditions related to smoking.

The earlier you quit, the greater the health benefit.

For more information visit the Better Health Channel, Smoking - quitting tipsExternal Link and Smoking – the financial costExternal Link .

Using e-cigarettes to quit smoking

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)External Link has not approved any e-cigarette products as a medicine to help people quit smoking. This is because the quality and safety of e-cigarettes has not yet been thoroughly tested, and it is not clear whether they are actually helpful for people trying to quit.

There are established pathways for consumers to legally access nicotine vaping products, with a valid prescription from a medical or nurse practitioner. For more information visit the Therapeutic Good Administration, Vapes: information for patientsExternal Link page.

There are also other proven safe and effective options to help people to quit smoking such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) including patches, gums, lozenges, mouth spray, inhalators, and some prescription medicines. For more information visit Quit Victoria, Nicotine Replacement Therapy: frequently asked questionsExternal Link page.

Reviewed 23 February 2024

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Consumer information

Contact us

Tobacco and e-cigarettes team

Tobacco information line 1300 136 775
tobacco.policy@health.vic.gov.au
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