The services are giving a $120 subsidy for nicotine replacement for each resident living in Roxby Downs, Woomera and Pimba who sign up for the program.

According to the US surgeon generals report back in 1998, the addictive qualities of nicotine are as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

When you 'light up' a cigarette, the nicotine released stimulates chemicals in your brain that give you a relaxed feeling.

It is this effect that you get addicted to and makes it hard to stop.

"By smoking you are exposing yourself to many dangerous chemicals that cause lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, emphysema, fertility problems in men and women, increased chance of a miscarriage for pregnant women, low birth weight babies and increases the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to name a few," community health nurse Kane McInerney said.

"Children exposed to cigarette smoke from their parents are more likely to smoke.

“Also the passive smoking increases their likelihood of developing asthma, respiratory disease and middle ear infections."

Quitting is not an easy feat, as many former-smokers will tell you.

According to Mr McInerney, withdrawal symptoms include feeling tense and irritable, unable to sleep and headaches are just a few.

These side effects are caused by receptors in the brain wanting their 'nicotine fix'.

A way to help reduce this is to use a Nicotine Replacement Therapy or NRT, Mr McInerney said.

“NRT replaces nicotine from cigarettes and delivers it in a safe way avoiding all those dangerous chemicals associated with cigarettes,” Mr McInerney said.

Gradually over time the receptors in the brain disappear along with the nicotine cravings.

This 12-week 'Quitline program' gives subsidies for NRT and telephone support and counselling to help smokers through this time.

Join at the Roxby Downs pharmacy and speak to Nick or Claire or phone Kane McInerney at the Roxby Health Service (8671 1900).

Andamooka residents can contact the Andamooka Community Health Service on 8672 7087.