Smoking Cessation
Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer with an estimated 85% of lung cancer deaths caused by smoking. Nonsmokers have a 20-30% greater chance of developing lung cancer if exposed to secondhand smoke at home and/or work.
Reasons for quitting
- Risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other serious diseases decreases.
- Blood pressure will go down.
- Skin looks healthier.
- Save money.
- Food tastes better.
- Smell improves.
- Set a good example for kids.
- Have more energy.
- Protect loved ones from secondhand smoke.
Support and advice from your clinician
- Nicotine is a powerful addiction.
- Quitting is hard but don’t give up.
- Many people try 2 or 3 times before they quit for good.
- Each time you try to quit, the more likely you will be to succeed.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about options to quit smoking
Over the Counter Medications:
- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine lozenges
Prescription Medications:
- Chantix®
- Zyban®
- Nicotine inhaler
- Nicotine nasal spray
Under the Federal Affordable Care Act, insurance covers prescription medication to help you quit smoking.
What’s in cigarette smoke?
The following are some of the more menacing ingredients in cigarette smoke:
- Acetone
- Ammonia
- Benzene
- Cadmium
- Carbon Monoxide
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrogen Cyanide
- Lead Nicotine
- Tar Shellac
Be aware of smoking “triggers”
When you smoke, it becomes an important part of your life. Certain activities, feelings and people are linked to your smoking. When you come across these things, they may “trigger” your urge to smoke. Try to anticipate these triggers and find ways to deal with them.
Here are a few tips:
- Go places that don’t allow smoking
- Spend more time with non-smokers
- Keep your hands busy
- Take a deep breath and remind yourself why you are quitting
Resources to help you quit
Many ex-smokers say that quitting was the hardest thing they’ve ever done. An important first step is learning why you feel like you need to smoke. When you understand why you smoke, you can prepare yourself to find the best ways to quit.
Available resources include:
