Tobacco Cessation

The new year always brings resolutions such as weight loss, exercising, improving relationships, etc. Another very common one is tobacco cessation or trying to quit smoking. Here are some strategies to help with this difficult yet attainable resolution.

1. Go cold turkey if possible. It can be done, especially in cases where an individual smokes less than a pack a day.
2. You need to really want it!!! Daily commitment is a requirement when trying to quit.
3. Set a quit date. Make it a meaningful date such as a wedding anniversary, birthday, or holiday.
4. Take advantage of counselling programs to keep motivated. It can range from phone sessions to group meetings.
5. Understand the positives when quitting such as improved breathing, lower risk for heart disease, whiter teeth, better breath, lower risk for lung cancer, more available money, etc...
6. Utilize social support from friends and family members. If other people smoke, make it a group goal and support one another.
7. Remove cigarettes, ash trays, other related items to reduce the urges.
8. Avoid or change habits that trigger tobacco use (i.e. alcoholic drink at a bar).
9. Avoid smoking environments and eat at non-smoking restaurants.
10. Reward yourself in successful weekly or monthly intervals.
11. Do it for the children...second hand smoke increases asthma attacks, allergies, ear infections, sinus infections, etc.
12. Talk to your physician about medications such as Chantix, bupropion, or nortriptyline, especially if smoking more than one pack a day.
13. Utilize nicotine replacement supplements to help with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as the gum, patch, nasal spray, lozenge, or inhaler.
14. Do not let smokers smoke in your house or car.
15. Exercise and eat healthy to keep your weight stable.
16. Chew gum, eat carrot sticks or pretzels, suck on lollipops, to keep your mouth busy.
17. Try alternative therapies such as hypnosis, acupuncture, or acupressure.
18. It is OK to "slip." Try again and get back on track.
19. Stop the excuses.
20. It is all about "one day at a time."
21. Try Quit Meters (available online) to keep track of your success
22. Find a healthy passion to replace smoking such as leading a tobacco cessation group.
23. NEVER GIVE UP!!!
24. Talk to your health care professional...use them as a resource.

Check out the QuitNow website or call 1-800-QuitNow (free service)
Thank you and have a Great New Year!!!