Ditching the Durry

28 April 2011 | 0:00 - By

Josh Ridegway looks at the alarming smoking rates among Indigenous Australians.

DITCHING THE DURRY_1338972754

According to recent government statistics, one in two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders smoke, so it's not a far stretch to say there's never been a better or more crucial time for Indigenous people to quit.

But for our communities and Australians in general, saying no to the cigarette isn't as easy as putting down the lighter. In remote areas, that 50 per cent average smoking rate can rise as high as 70 or 80 percent.

It's a real concern, especially as youth are also picking up the habit, alnog with pregnant women.

So how do we help our friends and family ditch the durry and live good healthy lives?

The State, Territory and Federal Governments have committed around $1.6 billion to address chronic diseases that impact on the longevity of life through various campaigns and programs.

Communities too have taken up the fight on the grassroots level. For example, in north-east Arnhem Land, the Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation have produced a number of mobile phone videos to promote healthy living.

After speaking with a number of families and individuals over the past 2 weeks, it's been made clear to me that the fight against tobacco and nicotine addiction most importantly comes down to the individual: how badly do they want to quit? Do they have the strength and willpower to see it through? Can they come to terms with the fact they have an addiction?

Whilst quitting appears to raise more questions than it does answers, by taking a small first step such as talking to your doctor, local Aboriginal Medical Service or even your friend, you're adding a few more years onto your life.

In my book that's not a bad thing at all.

Have you quit smoking? Are you trying? Why do you think Indigenous smoking rates are so high?

For more information or advice on quitting smoking, contact your local health worker or call Quitline on 13 78 48.

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Comments (7)

06 May 2011 18:50 AEST

Lee

From: Canberra

Champix - the way of the future

Although I don't agree with medications unless they are really necessary, Champix has freed me from my nicotine addiction. I quit smoking 4 mths ago using Champix (now on the PBS and costs around $30 per month (far better than patches!!). I hardly even had to try to quit and will recommend this to anyone (excluding those with a mental illness - particularly depression and anxiety). If you want to quit - ask your doctor about it!! Pure GOLD!! Good luck.

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03 May 2011 17:22 AEST

Shona

From: Gympie Qld

No Durri for this murri program

I support the " No Durri For This Murri" smoking cessation program. What a fantastic support, providing indigenous clients and their families with the support and info needed to successfully quit smoking..This program is not funded for long ..its worth it.. contact North coast aboriginal corporation for community health www.northcoast.net.au

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30 Apr 2011 12:16 AEST

ELLEN CHRISTIE

From: CENTRAL COAST

DITCHING THE DURRY

ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT'S DAMN HARD, AND THE LONGER ONE SMOKES THE HARDER IT GETS - FOR EVERYONE OUT THERE WANTING OR TRYING TO SMOKE, MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU, I'LL JOIN YOU ONE DAY!! TO THOSE WITH USEFULL ADVICE BUT NOT BEEN IN THE POSITION TAKE HEED BECAUSE IT'S HARD WHEN LIFE'S GOOD LET ALONE A NEVER ENDING UPHILL BATTLE SUCH AS MANY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE HAVE ENDURED FOR OVER 2 CENTURIES - DEGRADATION, GENOCIDE ETC! SO THINK ABOUT IT AND LASTLY GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHOSE TRYING TO QUIT!

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30 Apr 2011 12:09 AEST

Ellen Christie

From: Central Coast NSW

DITCHING THE DURRY

I'm a whitey but let me say it's not as easy at it sounds, patches smatches I say - your hearts got to be in it, you have to be relatively stress free to even think about it, and stay that way while your body goes through withdrawls - that's why i'm still smoking after 35 yrs. I do want to stop smoking one day but it's scary and harder than most non-smokers think, i've heard it before being said that it's equatable to giving up any other addictive drug - heroin, this I don't know about.

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29 Apr 2011 16:15 AEST

Geoffrey

From: Ramingining

Smoking

Maybe SBS should play some of these great resources developed in remote areas, for remote people, in local languages. Exposure on mainstream media would mean people would actually see the videos. English speaking Australians are continually bombarded with anti smoking messages in language they can hear. Some of these videos are shown once or twice then put away.

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29 Apr 2011 13:11 AEST

TG

From: Sydney

Ditching the durry

Hi Rachael - Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people can get the patches free, just need it by script from their GP! Ask your GP for more info.

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29 Apr 2011 11:19 AEST

Rachael Kennedy

From: Dubbo

ditching the durry

I am a young Indigenous student and am trying to quit smoking. I have come to relize that smoking rates have risen in aboriginal communities quickly, the ages of those who start smoking are becomming younger. I find it hard to quit with no support but it seams like the goverment has it worked out as the Nicorette patches,puffers and chewey gums becomes avable. Sadley they are out of my price range at $70 a box with only 14 patches in it i find that to have no vale for me.

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