Every year, smokers are invited to join a collective effort encouraging them to commit together, at the same time, to quitting smoking for a month. Nearly 6 out of 10 smokers want to quit! This first step is essential, because successfully quitting smoking for thirty consecutive days increases the chances of permanent cessation fivefold. Since boosting smokers’ motivation is crucial, they are encouraged to prepare for quitting throughout the month of October and to participate in the challenge by registering on the dedicated website.

An encouraging 2022 report: registrations on the rise

After a significant drop in registrations in 2020 (126,568) and 2021 (112,933) at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, the number rose in 2022 (162,012). This sharp increase (43% between 2021 and 2022) was observed across the entire metropolitan area.

Who took up the challenge in 2022?

The 162,012 people who registered online in 2022 represent 1.4% of daily smokers in France. Each year, more women register than men (67% women in 2022). People aged 25–44 account for more than half of registrations (54%), followed by those over 45 (33%) and those under 25 (13%).

You weren’t alone when you started, and you won’t be alone when you quit

This 8th edition builds on team spirit and solidarity through an initiative that highlights collective ambition and the importance of support during the quitting process. At the same time, the campaign continues to offer information and personalized advice so that everyone can choose their own strategy and embark on this life-changing journey.

Smoke-Free Month is a challenge we take on together, thanks to the support of various stakeholders (healthcare professionals, partners, local businesses, loved ones, etc.) who guide, motivate, and support participants in staying committed to quitting smoking.

A community-based initiative

On-the-ground initiatives are once again being rolled out to reach smokers where they are. In shopping centers across every region, “Smoke-Free Month” booths provide an opportunity to engage with smokers and encourage them to quit.

We all deal with the urge to smoke differently, but we’re all in this together to quit

To support smokers in their efforts to quit, Tobacco-Free Month relies on tools available free of charge. Tabac info service, a major resource for smoking cessation support, includes:

• The website tabac-info-service.fr, which offers a wealth of helpful content and support tools (connecting you with a tobacco specialist, testimonials, Q&As, etc.);

• The 39 89 hotline, Tabac info service’s remote support line, which connects callers with a tobacco specialist and offers free follow-up. Since May 31, 2023, the 39 89 hotline has been accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals via the Acceo platform;

• The Tabac info service e-coaching app, developed by the French Health Insurance Agency in partnership with Santé publique France and with the support of the Francophone Society of Tobacco Control, which offers a personalized e-coaching program to maximize the chances of quitting smoking.

Santé publique France invites participants to connect on social media. By following the Facebook, X, and Instagram pages, smokers can join a community of people who have decided to quit and support one another every day. There, they can receive support, share their doubts and tips for staying strong, and access useful information and advice for navigating the withdrawal phase.

A “Mois sans tabac” quit-smoking kit, designed to support smokers throughout their quit journey, is available for free upon registration on the “Mois sans tabac” website or at most pharmacies.

A media campaign

From October 2 through November 5, a 30-second TV spot and a tutorial showcasing all the resources available on the Mois sans tabac website and encouraging viewers to sign up will air on national networks. The commercial depicts different stages in a smoker’s life: the moment they are introduced to cigarettes, in a group setting, and the moment they quit, also under the kind and supportive gaze of others, both smokers and nonsmokers. These spots are also adapted for radio (5 30-second spots from October 25 to November 21) and online videos (3 30-second spots explaining how to use the available tools from October 2 to November 5) to increase their visibility. Throughout October, a large-scale poster campaign is being rolled out in 18,000 pharmacies, as well as shopping malls, local stores, and train stations. On the digital front, social media posts and banners are visible on numerous platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, and X).

Smoking in France: Key Figures

In France, tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of death. In 2015, it was estimated that more than 75,000 deaths¹ were attributable to smoking, corresponding to approximately 13% of deaths in mainland France.
Smoking thus takes a heavy toll on the health of the French population, but also on the nation’s finances, with 156 billion euros in annual expenditures attributed to the consequences of smoking.