What is smokestop?

smokestop is a 3 month programme for smokers who wish to quit. By simply following through the short sessions, step by step, you will be fully prepared for quit day, and have effective strategies to stay smokefree.

smokestop provides essential support including email, SMS text messages and forum. It has been designed by smoking cessation experts, ex-smokers and health professionals who understand how it feels to be a smoker trying to give up.

smokestop can be used by yourself or with help from your health professional. Your chances of staying quit will be improved by good preparation, close follow-up, and support for relapse.

Developed by Dr Andrew Lawson and Denise Barlow, Quit Specialist, National Heart Foundation, and based on international guidelines, university research showed 74% of smokers found smokestop helpful and would recommend it.

How well does smokestop work?

Smokestop has been shown to be a cost effective cessation option with cessation rates the same as Quitline and 74% smoker endorsement.

"Acceptability and outcome of an internet based smoking cessation programme, The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 14, Number 1, January 2010, pp 113-118 (6)"

How do I use smokestop?

Click here and follow through the instructions to register & purchase a licence. To receive SMS text support ensure that your mobile number is entered correctly and you select to receive SMS support when you purchase your licence (additional charges apply).

After purchasing you will receive a smokestop instruction email and any nicotine replacement therapy quit cards you requested to take to your pharmacy (NZ only). Please check your spam filter if you don't receive an email.

For other smoking cessation medications eg champix, zyban or nortriptyline, you will need to see your doctor. Medication will double your chances of quitting successfully.

Once logged in, on screen instructions will guide you. Email and (if requested) text support will automatically begin. It is easy to follow through, and there are no right or wrong answers to the questions.

After completing a screen, click on [next] at the bottom and your responses will be saved. From the menu you can exit or start the next session. Previously completed sessions will be available to review and modify. Progress at your own pace. Reviewing your summaries and support emails will maximise your chances of staying smoke free.

Each time you return to smokestop you will see where you are up to. Complete each session in order. If you are feeling at risk of relapse, complete the "Prevent relapse" session prior to continuing.

If you have started smoking again don't worry, instead complete the "I've relapsed" session. As we understand how difficult it can be to stay quit, smokestop will allow you to complete the relapse management session up to 2 times. After a relapse session it is necessary to finish the "I've relapsed" session before continuing with the rest of the module. For this you will enter a new quit day, and carry on from session 4.

The end of smokestop is session 8, around 3 months after quit day. To help celebrate your success, a completion certificate is emailed to you. Additonal longer term followup is available. The goal is to become permanently smokefree.

It is recommended that you have the support of a friend who is also quitting at the same time, and someone who has recently quit.

Do I have to see my doctor or health professional to use smokestop?

smokestop can be used by yourself or with help from your doctor or health professional. It is recommended that you see your doctor to discuss the programme and arrange your smoking cessation medication.

Can I use smokestop again if I start smoking again?

Yes you can use each single licence up to 3 times for the same subscription.

Actionpact software provides motivation for change but understands how lifestyle changes can be challenging and that things do not always go as smoothly as one would like. If you have a slip up and start smoking again you are recommended to complete "relapse action" before you restart the programme and learn from the experience, so that you can be successful on the next attempt. The most important consideration is to have self respect and to realise that you are not a failure.

smokestop information for doctors and other health professionals:

Following a successful national pilot smokestop is now available for only per smoker or less for bulk purchases.
Optional text support for an additional . This remains one of the most cost effective programmes available.

View information for health professionals, companies or pharmacists.