Mois sans tabac: French government calls on smokers to quit
Every November, smokers in France can get help from the government to help quit what is becoming an increasingly expensive habit.
Set up in 2016, the Mois sans tabac (tobacco-free month) is a government-led campaign to initiate smokers to quit.
Why one month?
The idea is to help smokers see that they are able to get off cigarettes completely for a longer period of time. Quitting for one month increases the chance of quitting for good by 5 times, according to the campaign.
How does it work?
All through November, smokers may sign up for free, either through the government's Tabac Info Service website or in their closest pharmacy.
Those participating will get a free ‘quitting kit’, including a coaching app with tips and games, free calls with tobaccologists on 3989 (link here) and direct them towards local support groups for help.
Participants can also download the Tabac info service mobile app for an e-coaching programme with advice and support, or join regional Facebook Tabac info service groups.
Broader strategy.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to diminish the number of smokers in France. The French government has been increasing tobacco prices for years in an attempt to encourage the country's inhabitants to stub their cigarette for good.
Another price hike on November 1st, by €0.50 on average, pushed the price of a 20-pack of most cigarette brands over the symbolic €10 mark.
READ ALSO: What changes about life in France in November 2020?
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Set up in 2016, the Mois sans tabac (tobacco-free month) is a government-led campaign to initiate smokers to quit.
Why one month?
The idea is to help smokers see that they are able to get off cigarettes completely for a longer period of time. Quitting for one month increases the chance of quitting for good by 5 times, according to the campaign.
How does it work?
All through November, smokers may sign up for free, either through the government's Tabac Info Service website or in their closest pharmacy.
Those participating will get a free ‘quitting kit’, including a coaching app with tips and games, free calls with tobaccologists on 3989 (link here) and direct them towards local support groups for help.
Participants can also download the Tabac info service mobile app for an e-coaching programme with advice and support, or join regional Facebook Tabac info service groups.
Broader strategy.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to diminish the number of smokers in France. The French government has been increasing tobacco prices for years in an attempt to encourage the country's inhabitants to stub their cigarette for good.
Another price hike on November 1st, by €0.50 on average, pushed the price of a 20-pack of most cigarette brands over the symbolic €10 mark.
READ ALSO: What changes about life in France in November 2020?
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