Smoke-free month - support each other to stop or reduce cigarette consumption

Stop smoking together, that's the challenge thousands of smokers want to take up during Tobacco Free Month in November. Launched in France in 2016, it involves encouraging smokers to give up cigarettes, or at least reduce their consumption.

What is Tobacco-Free Month in November? How can I take part in Smoke-Free Month? What are the advantages of getting help to stop smoking?

What is the Mois Sans Tabac campaign?

The Month Without Tobacco campaign is organized by Santé publique Francewith the French Ministry of Health and the French National Health Insurance. During the month of November, it brings together a community sharing the same common goal: to stop smoking for 1 month.

The challenge is enormous. For smokers, quitting overnight is unthinkable. That's why we've launched a national campaign to support all smokers who want to quit.

A study by Santé publique France revealed that 1.8 million French people took part in this collective challenge and tried to quit smoking between 2016 and 2019.

A month without tobacco - why 30 days?

That's true. Why not 15 or 45? A 30-day challenge is the ideal time to maximize your chances of quitting smoking.

According to Santé publique France, the reason is simple. During this time, withdrawal symptoms begin to appear. The smoker will suffer from insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, coughing and hunger for several days.

If he can go 30 days without cracking, there's a good chance he'll be able to quit for good. And why is that? Because the more time passes, the more the effects of withdrawal diminish. After a month, they become bearable. You're twice as likely to quit after a month without smoking, thanks to personalized support.

How can I take part in Smoke-Free Month?

The Month Without Smoking campaign kicks off in October. Before kick-off, the organizers recruit smokers who want to take part in the challenge. To increase visibility and attract as many participants as possible, the event is publicized through a variety of advertising channels: TV spots, Internet ads and newspapers.

Registration is free for smokers. There are four ways to join the program:

• Directly on the Tabac info Service platform;
• By calling 3989 ;
• Download the e-coaching application from Tabac info service ;
• By integrating a community on social networks including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

After registration, smokers benefit from a program consisting of :

• Anti-smoking kit ;
• Telephone appointment with a tobaccologist;
• E-mail support program.

Please note that the anti-smoking kit is a 40-day cessation program (10 days of preparation and 30 days of support).

What are the advantages of taking part in this anti-smoking challenge?

Tobacco-Free Month is a great opportunity to fight an addiction that's hard to kick. In addition to all the tools at your disposal, this program allows you to benefit from personalized support from a professional tobaccologist. Consultations can be by telephone, live or videoconference.

In fact, you can consult our specialized health professionals for even more in-depth monitoring. A call to a tobaccologist or an addictologist from our teleconsultation booths can lead to tailor-made nicotine replacement therapy. The aim is to reduce your tobacco dependency through the use of appropriate control devices.

Joining a community on a social network is a good solution if you lack the willpower. You'll be in contact with people who have the same goals as you, and this will boost your motivation to gradually stop smoking.

Signing up for #MoisSansTabac makes it easier for you to cope with withdrawal. In fact, a doctor can suggest a nicotine substitute or a specific treatment to help you manage the effects of nicotine withdrawal better, if necessary. These substitutes can extend your quit time by up to 6 months, or even longer. If you're on the verge of giving up, you can call a professional stop-smoking helpline on 39 89.

Quitting smoking in November: yes, but why?

Did you know? The positive effects of quitting smoking become apparent less than half an hour after the start of withdrawal. In fact, just 20 minutes after the last cigarette, the body is no longer overexcited by nicotine. Heart rate slows to normal.

After 24 hours without cigarettes, there is no trace of nicotine left in the body. The lungs begin to rid themselves of mucus and smoke residue. Smokers breathe more easily, which in turn improves blood circulation. The risk of stroke and myocardial infarction is reduced.

After two weeks without smoking, breathing becomes easier, even during physical exertion. The less a person smokes, the lower the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, while the amount of oxygen increases.

After a month, at the end of your tobacco-free month, you'll gradually regain your sense of smell and taste. Completely detoxified, your skin will look better and bad breath will disappear.

Last but not least, you'll considerably reduce your risk of cancer. As a bonus, you'll save money to enjoy other pleasures in life.

Get motivated and take part in Smoke-Free Month by calling 39 89!

‍