Did you know … 55% of Sublette County smokers say they want to quit for good?
We all know that tobacco isn’t good for us and we all know how difficult the quitting process can be. But focusing on positive results can help make the process easier. So consider this … within 20 minutes of your last cigarette your heart rate and blood pressure return to a more normal level. Within 48 hours, you can smell and taste better and within a month coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
The decision to quit smoking is one that only you can make. Others may want you to quit, but the real commitment must come from you. The American Cancer Society offers the following steps when making the decision.
1.) Think about why you want to quit.
Are you worried that you could get a smoking-related disease?
Do you really believe that the benefits of quitting outweigh the benefits of continuing to smoke?
Do you know someone who has had health problems because of smoking?
Are you ready to make a serious try at quitting?
Write down your reasons so you can look at them every time you want to smoke.
2.) Set a date and make a quit smoking plan
Once you’ve decided to quit, you’re ready to pick a quit date. This is a key step. Pick a day within the next month as your Quit Day. Picking a date too far away gives you time to change your mind. Still, you need to give yourself enough time to prepare. You might choose a date with a special meaning like a birthday or anniversary, or the date of the Great American Smokeout (the third Thursday in November each year). Or you might want to just pick a random date. Circle the date on your calendar. Make a strong, personal commitment to quit on that day.
3.) How do you plan to quit?
There are many ways to quit, and some work better than others. Nicotine replacement therapy, prescription drugs, and other methods are available. Learn more about ways to quit so you can find the method that best suits you. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor or dentist, and get their advice and support.
Support is another key part of your plan. Stop-smoking programs, telephone quit lines, Nicotine Anonymous meetings, self-help materials such as books and pamphlets, and smoking counselors can be a great help. Also tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you’re quitting. They can give you help and encouragement, which increases your chances of quitting for good.
Call or text 1-800-QUIT-NOW for FREE coaching, patches and gum, and a personalized quit plan to help you quit tobacco for good.
Teens, text 1-855-891-9989 for FREE 24/7 coaching and a personalized plan to help you quit tobacco or vaping for good.