Is 2022 your year to quit smoking?
That time of year again when we all make New Year Resolutions and for many people they resolve to quit smoking. Year after year they proclaim that this is the year they will succeed. By February that resolution is a distant memory.
Quitting tobacco is a big and scary step. We will provide you with tools, resources, and tips to help you become smokefree. Dr. Bobish and her team are here to help you achieve a smokefree life.
Don’t Quit Quitting!
Quitting smoking is hard and may seem impossible but it can be done. While it may take several tries before you are successful, you learn something with each attempt. Learning what worked and didn’t work will help you move closer to being a “former smoker”.
Remember you are breaking an addiction, be kind to yourself. If you slip up, don’t let that be a reason to go back to smoking. You made a mistake and now you are better prepared to avoid the temptation next time.
Thinking about quitting?
If you decide you are ready to give it a try, there is a lot of support and information available to help you find your path that will be right for you. There are live programs, online program, apps, text messaging, quitlines and other tools available to help you quit. Many are free or low cost, links below this article.
Why Quit?
Why Quit?The obvious answer is your health, smoking is bad for your lungs and heart. For many the health benefits are not immediately noticeable and therefore not a much incentive. Below are some of the benefits would you see almost immediately upon quitting:
Save Money – If you are a pack a day smoker you will save approximately $80 a week/$350 a month/$4100 annually. Think of what you can do with that extra money!
Social Acceptance – Finding places to smoke is getting more difficult. Travelling, dining and other activities are difficult because of your addiction.
Embarrassment – We all know by now that smoking is bad for our health and for some that fact that they smoke is embarrassing. They may think that others see them as not intelligent or trashy. Unfortunately, many non smokers do make assumptions based on that cigarette in your hand or the tobacco smell that follows you and can be very obvious is their disgust.
Family and Friends – We know that secondhand smoke is dangerous to those around us. Smoking around your family is putting them at risk. Even if you don’t smoke near them, they know you smoke. Set the example for them now. Do you really want your children or grandchildren to think smoking is okay because they see you doing it?
Smell Better – If you smoke, chances are you stink. Perfume/cologne will not disguise the odor. You can also transfer the odor from your clothing/hair to your furniture, car, etc.
Resources:
As stated earlier there are a variety of quit smoking tools available. Find one that offers you the support you want/need. You know why you should quit, these programs will help you discover how to quit.
American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking – The American Lung Association has been helping people quit smoking for over 35 years through Freedom From Smoking®. Ranked as one of the most effective cessation programs in the country, Freedom From Smoking has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit smoking for good and is now available in a variety of formats.
American Cancer Society Stay Away from Tobacco – Quitting tobacco is not easy, but it can be done. Whether you smoke cigarettes, use smokeless tobacco, or are trying to help a friend or loved one, you’ll find good information here.
Quit Assist – QuitAssist® is a free information resource designed to help connect adult tobacco consumers who have decided to quit to expert quitting information from public health authorities.
Become an X – BecomeAnEX (‘EX’) is run by Truth Initiative®. Truth Initiative is the largest non-profit public health organization dedicated to helping people quit tobacco.
Smokefree.gov – The National Cancer Institute (NCI) created Smokefree.gov to help you or someone you care about quit smoking. Smokefree.gov is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to reduce smoking rates in the United States, particularly among certain populations. – Mobile App available
Every Try Counts – By taking small steps, you can learn what works for you. Every try counts. Start here.
CDC How to Quit Smoking – You can quit smoking for good and live a healthy, smokefree life. Take the first step.
State of Michigan Quit Smoking – Are you thinking about quitting tobacco? Do you want to support a friend or family member who is quitting? They can help.
Munson Healthcare Smoking Cessation Programs – Munson Healthcare offers tobacco cessation classes and programs in locations around northern Michigan and via Zoom and can help connect you to other community-based resources.
Mobile Apps available for both Android and Apple
Mobile Apps available for both Android and AppleClickotine – Free
Livestrong MyQuit Coach – Free
QuitNow! – Free
Quit Right – Free
Smokefree.gov – Free
Texting Programs
Tips4Health – Free text messaging program to help you quit smoking 734-641-5643
Additional Information
What is in Cigarettes
Benefits of quitting smoking
Facts about secondhand smoke
Ways to Resist the Urge to Smoke
Smoking Damage Repair Timeline