INDIANAPOLIS -- A cigarette tax increase that recently recently went into effect appears to be leading Hoosiers to stop smoking in record numbers.

Since the increase, Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation said calls to a toll-free help line have increased by nearly 400 percent, 6News' Dan Spehler reported.

"Our quit line saw an enormous increase in calls," said Karla Sneegas, executive director of Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation. "We are really astonished and very encouraged."

The quit line fielded more than 1,000 phone calls in a week, marking a record high.

Cigarettes cost 62 cents more per pack. While smokers are angry with the increase, some saw it as providing incentive to stop.

Anti-smoking advocates said their hope is that the tax will lead thousands of Hoosiers to quit, making individuals healthier and wealthier at the same time.

"I think the price combined with the economy right now really has smokers ready to quit like they've never been ready to quit before," Sneegas said.

The quit line offers advice on how to quit and can set smokers up with products, such as patches and gum, that are already available to assist.

More Info: Stop Smoking Hot Line -- 800-QUIT-NOW
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