Anti-smoking books for jails

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Prisons are to be given copies of a famous self-help book to help inmates to stop smoking.

The Department of Corrections is delivering copies of Allen Carr's The Easy Way To Stop Smoking in preparation for a smoking ban in all jails in five months.

"The traditional New Year's resolution, together with the January 1 tobacco tax increase, has prompted a record number of smokers to contact The Quit Group to get help to stop smoking, and we are hoping that prisoners and staff who smoke are making the same resolution," said the assistant general manager of prison services, Brendan Anstiss.

Already more than 1300 prisoners have started nicotine replacement therapy since the ban was announced last July.

Free nicotine patches and lozenges are being provided to assist those who want to give up smoking.

"We are working hard towards preparing prisoners and staff for the changes by providing as much information and smoking cessation support before the ban," Dr Anstiss said.

"Allen Carr quit smoking after 33 years as a hundred-a-day smoker. His book has helped millions around the world stop smoking. He died from lung cancer in 2006."

- Staff reporter