Isn't it time you finally quit for good?

I know, you may have tried many times and started smoking again or you think you can quit on your own whenever you want. The truth is, nicotine is a VERY addictive drug. Quitting is not easy but it can be done.

FACT: 80% of smokers will try to quit on their own and 95% of those, will start smoking again.

What Help is out There?

• The American Cancer Society has a lot of smoking cessation resources that are free or very inexpensive. Their number is 1-800-784-8669.
• Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for support from a trained counselor that will talk with you about quitting or if you are just thinking about quitting smoking.
• There are nicotine replacement options available over the counter (gum and the patch). The inhaler is by prescription. These can help with the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Your health care provider can prescribe Zyban or Chantix, which are medications that can be used to help with the nicotine addiction.
• If a small group setting sounds good for support, find a Nicotine Anonymous group in your area. This group uses the 12 step program similar to AA. You can locate a support group or get helpful quitting tips from their web site at http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/

What can I do in addition to the above on my own?

• Each time you get the urge for a cigarette, pause and take a very deep breath in and exhale VERY slowly. Picture all the tension and stress leaving your body. Do this three times. This is a modified Yoga technique. As the days pass, your craving for a cigarette will lessen.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Initially, try to avoid the social situations that would encourage you to smoke.
• Chew sugarless gum and have low calorie foods such as carrots or celery available to chew on. This can help with the oral fixation some people have.
• Try to have a family member or friend that smokes consider quitting with you.
• Ask friends and family that smoke to NOT smoke around you.
• After dinner when you might normally have a cigarette, consider substituting it with tea or coffee or even better, go for a walk.
• Join a gym or take an exercise class. You will find your endurance increases when you quit.
• Keep telling yourself that you are a nonsmoker!

There is no magic pill and it is not easy, but it can be done and you need to do it. Call us at X5744 for more information or help as you quit!