Quitting Smoking

Tobacco use is the most common preventable cause of death. About half of the people who don't quit smoking will die of smoking-related problems. Quitting smoking is important for your health and provides many benefits. Soon after you quit, your circulation begins to improve, and your blood pressure starts to return to normal. Your sense of smell and taste return and breathing starts to become easier. In the long term, giving up tobacco can help you live longer. Your risk of getting cancer decreases with each year you stay smoke-free.

Quitting is not easy. You may have short-term effects such as weight gain, irritability and anxiety. Some people try several times before succeeding. There are many ways to quit smoking. Some people stop "cold turkey." Others benefit from step-by-step manuals, counseling or medicines or products that help reduce nicotine addiction. Your health care provider can help you find the best way for you to quit.

Kicking the tobacco habit offers some benefits that you'll notice right away and some that will develop over time. These rewards can improve your day-to-day life a great deal.
-your breath smells better
-stained teeth get whiter
-bad smelling clothes and hair go away
-your yellow fingers and fingernails disappear
-food tastes better
-your sense of smell returns to normal
-everyday activities no longer leave you out of breath (such as climbing stairs or light

housework)

How to quit
Smokers often say, "Don't tell me why to quit, tell me how." There is no one right way to quit, but there are some key elements in quitting with success. These 4 factors are key:
-making the decision to quit
-setting a quit date and choosing a quit plan
-dealing with withdrawal
-staying quit (maintenance)

Here are some steps to help you prepare for your Quit Day:

-Pick the date and mark it on your calendar.
-Tell friends and family about your Quit Day.
-Get rid of all the cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
-Stock up on oral substitutes -- sugarless gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, coffee stirrers, straws, and/or toothpicks.
-Decide on a plan. Will you use NRT or other medicines? Will you attend a stop-smoking class? If so, sign up now.
-Practice saying, "No thank you, I don't smoke."
-Set up a support system. This could be a group class, Nicotine Anonymous, or a friend or family member who has successfully quit and is willing to help you. Ask family and friends who still smoke not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out where you can see them.
-If you are using bupropion or varenicline, take your dose each day of the week leading up to your Quit Day.
-Think back to your past attempts to quit. Try to figure out what worked and what did not work for you.

Where can I go for help?
It is hard to stop smoking. But if you are a tobacco user you can quit! More than 47 million Americans have quit smoking for good. Many organizations offer information, counseling, and other services to help you quit, as well as information on where to go for help. Other good resources to ask for help can include your doctor, dentist, local hospital, or employer