It’s not easy to quit smoking. Studies show that cigarettes are more addictive than heroin, and the first three weeks after you quit can be the most difficult. If you stumble along the way to giving up smoking, don’t punish yourself. Just try again.
Now is a great time to kick the habit and celebrate more birthdays with the American Cancer Society during this year’s Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19. If you or someone you love needs help quitting this year, here are 10 tips on how to break free from a smoking addiction.
- Don’t keep it a secret. Include your friends and family in your quitting process; they can offer much-needed support.
- You’re not alone. More and more people are trying to break free from cigarettes and there are lots of support options available. Many communities, employers, and health care organizations have free or low-cost counseling and support available to help you quit. Call your American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 to find out what’s available in your area.
- Consider using medication to help you quit. There are prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms or even help to reduce the urge to smoke. You’ll want to talk to your doctor first, but some medicine could help.
- Dump the memories. Clear the places where you usually smoke of anything that reminds you of cigarettes – like lighters, ashtrays, or matches. Also ask other smokers not to smoke around you, and clean your house and car thoroughly to remove the smell of cigarettes.
- Avoid places where smokers gather. Go to the movies or other places where smoking is not allowed.
- Stay calm and stay busy. You may feel some nervous energy but it can be countered by physical and mental activities. Take long strolls and deep breaths of fresh air, and find things to keep your hands busy, like crossword puzzles or yard work. There are a lot of leaves on the ground at this time of year.
- Talk to your doctor. Before you begin any plan for quitting smoking you should check with your doctor to see what might be the best approach for you. Remember, quitting smoking is very personal and there isn’t one perfect method.
- When the urge to smoke strikes, do something else. If you feel a craving for a cigarette coming on, take a deep breath, count to 10 and then do something else. Call a supportive friend. Do brief exercises such as push-ups, walking up a flight of stairs, or touching your toes. Anything that will take your mind off your cravings.
- One will hurt. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that if they only have one cigarette it’s okay. But even that one smoke can get you back in the habit of smoking full time. Keeping a supply of oral substitutes like carrots, apples, raisins, or gum handy can help.
- Water, water everywhere. Drink lots of fluids to help curb cravings. Water is the best for this, and you’ll want to pass up on coffee and alcohol if they trigger your desire to smoke.
Cigarette smoking is the major single cause of cancer mortality in the United States, and tobacco use is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths each year in the U.S. Because cigarette smoking and tobacco use are acquired behaviors, smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society.
Contact the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1.800.227.2345, or visit their website here.
