Lack of planning and support blocking efforts to quit smoking

Smokers seeking a quick fix to quit their habit often end up wasting their time and money.

University of Hong Kong health experts made this warning yesterday as they urged smokers to draw up a proper plan for quitting and seek counselling to help them succeed.

'Most smokers have overestimated their ability to quit smoking,' said Lam Tai-hing from the university's department of community medicine.

'Many smokers think counselling is for people who have mental illness and are often reluctant to seek help.'

He said many did not realise free advice and counselling was available from community pharmacists.

The university yesterday released results of a survey that found many smokers who bought nicotine replacement products like patches and gum did not use them properly or take them for long enough.