Quitting Smoking

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In this topic, you'll find strategies for quitting smoking and staying smoke-free. Find where you want to go now:

Are you ready to quit?

Maybe you have already taken your last puff or are ready to quit today. That's great. This information will help you stick to your resolve to kick the habit for good.

Or maybe you want to plan ahead before you quit. How ready are you to quit? To find out, use the Interactive Tool: Are You Ready to Quit Smoking? Click here to see an interactive tool.

It's okay if you aren't ready now. But you may want to quit at some point. So keep learning and preparing yourself. Many smokers do quit. You can too.

Why do you want to quit?

Think about why you want to quit. Maybe you want to protect your heart and your health and live longer. Or maybe you want to be a good role model for your kids or spend your money on something besides cigarettes. Your reason for wanting to change is important. If your reason comes from you—and not someone else—it will be easier for you to try to quit for good.

Use these tools to find your risk of heart attack based on how much you smoke and to find out how smoking affects your lifespan:

How can you quit?

You don't have to quit alone. Ask your family, friends, and doctor to help you. Quitting is hard, but it can be done. Many people like you are able to quit for good. Knowing what helps can make it easier.

  • Get ready. If you're ready to quit right now, go ahead. Medicines and support can help you stay on track. But if you want to plan ahead, you don't have to stop right away. Set a date to quit. Pick a time when you won't have a lot of stress in your life. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, or spit cups before you quit. Don't let people smoke in your house.
  • Change your routine. For example, if you smoke after eating, take a walk instead.
  • Use medicine. It can help with cravings and stress, and it doubles your chances of quitting smoking.1 You can buy nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches without a prescription. See a picture of how to use patches to help you quit smokingClick here to see an illustration.. Your doctor may also prescribe medicine, such as bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix).
  • Get support. Seek help from:
    • The national tobacco quitline: 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).
    • Stop-smoking programs, such as the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking program or your state health department.
    • Doctors, nurses, or therapists for counseling.

After you quit, try not to smoke at all—not even one puff. Prevent a slip (smoking one or two cigarettes) or relapse (returning to regular smoking) by avoiding smoking triggers, at least at first. These triggers can include alcohol and stress. Don't keep cigarettes in your house or car. If you do slip or relapse, stay calm. Remind yourself that you have a plan, and think about how hard you've worked to quit for good.

Why is it so hard to quit?

Quitting is hard because your body is addicted to the nicotine in tobacco. Giving it up is more than just kicking a bad habit. Your body has to stop craving the nicotine. Nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, and other medicines can help reduce the cravings without the harmful effects of smoking.

You also have to change your habits. You may not even think about smoking. You just do it. You may smoke when you are stressed. Or maybe you have a cigarette with coffee. Before you quit, think of new ways to handle these things. For example, call a friend or practice deep breathing when you feel stressed. Try chewing sugarless gum instead of smoking. Go for a walk when you have a break at work. Stay around nonsmokers.

What if you feel bad when you are trying to quit?

You are likely to crave cigarettes and may feel grouchy, restless, or sad for the first 2 to 3 weeks after you quit. It may be hard to focus on tasks. Or you may have trouble sleeping and want to eat more. But you won't feel bad forever, and medicine can help. Using medicines and products like nicotine gum or patches can help with cravings and make it easier to resist smoking.

Will you gain weight?

You may worry about gaining weight when you stop smoking. Don't let this stop you. You have a lot more to gain by quitting than a few extra pounds. You will feel better and save money. You will also have fewer health problems.

You can take steps to lower your chance of gaining weight:

  • Try to be active. Exercise can also improve your mood.
  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and eat fewer high-fat foods.
  • Try not to substitute food for cigarettes. Instead, chew on a drinking straw or a coffee stirrer.

Don't worry about going on a diet now. It may get in the way of your efforts to quit smoking. Think about taking medicines or using products like nicotine gum or patches. They will help you get through the tough times and may help you avoid putting on weight.

What if you start smoking again?

Most people quit and restart many times (about 8 to 10 times) before they stop smoking for good.2 If you start smoking again after you quit, don't give up. Each time you quit, even if it is just for a short time, you get closer to your long-term goal.

Remind yourself that by quitting you may avoid serious health problems and live longer. Remember your reasons for quitting. Maybe you want to protect your heart and your health and live longer.

Each time you quit, you learn more about what helps and what gets in the way. Think about why you started smoking again and about what you will do differently next time. If you tried to quit without medicines or a program, think about trying them next time. Medicines and nicotine replacement (gum, patches, lozenges) can double your chances of success.1 You can do it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Deciding to quit:

How to quit:

Ongoing concerns:

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 12, 2010
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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