If you live with HIV and smoke, quitting can significantly improve your quality of life, health, and well-being.

According to La Trobe University’s study HIV Futures 10, people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Australia are more likely to smoke than the general population. 

At CAN WE, we’re committed to enabling LGBTQ+ communities to live healthy, connected lives. 

Join us to explore how PLHIV and HIV healthcare providers can join forces on quitting smoking! 

 

What are the benefits of quitting smoking if you are living with HIV?

“The greatest gift you can give yourself is the gift of health.” This may sound cliché but it’s true! 

Living with HIV comes with unique challenges, but every day presents a new opportunity for change.

If you smoke, quitting can open up a world of possibilities – whether it’s trying a new sport, going on that long-awaited vacation, or discovering a hidden talent like singing. 

Here are some major benefits of quitting for PLHIV: 

• Improved physical and mental health 

• Reduced risk of cancer and disease e.g. lung cancer and heart disease 

• Strengthened immune system 

• Greater breathing capacity 

• Better response to HIV medications 

• Reduced stress and improved moods 

• Financial savings 

• And many other benefits! 

 

Ready to start your journey? Check out these helpful tips to support your journey to quit and CAN WE’s This Could Be The One.

Your next quit attempt could be the one that sticks! 

How can healthcare providers support quitting smoking?  

ACON’s Evidence Brief: People Living With HIV And Smoking suggests that PLHIV who smoke can benefit from tailored smoking cessation strategies alongside their existing HIV care. 

Providers should recognise the specific challenges faced by PLHIV to tailor appropriate behavioural and pharmacological interventions.

We also urge the importance of a trauma-informed approach, encouraging providers to discuss smoking cessation openly and listen to each person’s unique experience. 

Encouraging quitting smoking 

Our brief emphasises that PLHIV are more likely to attempt quitting if their healthcare provider offers encouragement and helpful information to influence change. 

By focusing on improving quality of life and addressing stigma and trauma, providers can empower their patients’ efforts to quit smoking. 

If you are living with HIV and considering quitting, we encourage you to discuss treatment options with your provider. Feel free to refer your provider to the resources in this blog. 

Exciting news for quitting smoking! 

By July 2025, the National Lung Cancer Screening Program will launch nationwide, aiming to detect lung cancer early and improve survival rates. This is an important program for HIV healthcare providers to share with PLHIV who smoke. 

 

I’m living with HIV and smoke; what are the right services for me? 

Embracing change can be daunting at first. Are you on your journey to quit smoking, juggling your health, medications, sleep, diet, and exercise? It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. 

Some days, your desire to quit may be strong, while on others, it might fade away. Remember to be kind to yourself, it’s a journey with ups and downs. 

We all need a shoulder to lean on sometimes. Talking to someone who understands and supports you can boost your motivation to quit. 

Who can I talk to for quit smoking support? 

Positive Life’s Peer Navigators are here to help you. Navigators can help in setting goals for your quit journey and support you with communicating effectively with your HIV healthcare providers about treatment. 

Whether you want to chat, find a support group, or discuss treatment to quit smoking, the Peer Navigators have your back. 

If you live with HIV in NSW, get in touch at (02) 8357 8386, 1800 245 677 or contact@positivelife.org.au. Be sure to ask for a Peer Navigator! 

You can also ask your GP or doctor for help quitting smoking. Together you can discuss a plan that’s right for you. 

No matter where you are in your quit journey, every step forward is worth celebrating. You have the strength to succeed and live a healthy, fulfilling life! 

Going “cold turkey” not for you?

Everyone’s journey to quitting smoking is different. Some people can quit ‘cold turkey’ and stop completely, while that may not work for you. You might need to try quitting multiple times or explore alternatives to smoking.  

If you’re not ready to quit cigarettes yet, try to cut down gradually. You can create a steady plan to quit at a pace that feels right for you. 

What can I achieve in my quit smoking plan? 

Your quit plan can include: 

• Reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke 

• Reducing how often you smoke 

• Identifying and avoiding smoking triggers 

• Practicing stress management techniques 

• Consider nicotine replacement therapies, like patches, to manage nicotine cravings as you cut back.  

 

Quitting can be a big physical and mental challenge, so it’s important to seek support from your HIV healthcare provider to find the best method for you and your journey. 

To explore your options to quit smoking, consider reaching out to a counsellor at NSW Quitline. 

Learn more about your quitting options here. 

A smoke-free future for PLHIV 

We know the journey to quitting smoking can be complex. You’ll encounter obstacles but remember: with the right support, you can make significant progress toward a healthier lifestyle! 

You’re not alone in this journey. Seeking support from loved ones, and healthcare professionals can make a huge difference. 

Although more research is needed on effective treatments for PLHIV who smoke, collaboration between PLHIV and their providers is essential in finding the best quit strategies. 

Let’s ask for the support we deserve. CAN WE come together to create a smoke-free future? With the right support, we reckon we can. 😊 

If you need support with quitting smoking, you can call NSW Quitline at 13 78 48 or visit icanquit.com.au.