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Quitting Smoking? You're Not Alone
Source: American Cancer Society, November 2002

"It's hard to quit. Cigarettes were my best friend. They were always there when I needed them - when I was sad, hurting, no matter what the situation, and they didn't criticize me."

These sentiments from Joseph Lowe echo those of millions of smokers around the country. He was a smoker for more than 35 years and had tried to quit repeatedly.

About 70% of the current 47 million smokers in the US report they want to quit. But most attempts are unsuccessful. Most smokers try to go it alone, quitting cold turkey. The most successful quitters (those who remain smoke-free) take advantage of the clinically-proven methods to help smokers quit.

Quit with Support
Studies have shown that successful smoking cessation includes a combination of support mechanisms such as:

• Nicotine replacement therapy, for example: prescription drugs, patch, gum, and inhaler, to deal with the physical aspects of addiction
• Counseling to help smokers recognize and cope with problems that come up during quitting and provide support and encouragement in staying quit
• Social support groups to assist smokers through the emotional aspects of quitting

Increase Your Chances
Quitting smoking involves four crucial steps: making the decision to quit; setting a date to quit; dealing with withdrawal; and maintaining a smoke-free life. The American Cancer Society offers assistance in all areas. Calling the Society can link you to resources that include:

• Trained specialists who can talk with you about your decision to quit
• Information about over-the-counter and prescription therapies for overcoming nicotine addiction
• Referrals to local support groups and resources
• Information about the Great American Smokeout^® - a day when millions of smokers nationwide join together to quit tobacco

Success: You Can Reach It
While Joseph Lowe tried a variety of tactics, he found that the support of family and friends gave him the extra boost he needed to stick to his decision. He understands what smokers go through every time they attempt to quit.

"You may not succeed on the first, second, or 50th time you try, but keep trying," Lowe said. "Love yourself and your family, and you'll find a way. All the nicotine patches won't help you quit if you are not ready. You have to make a real commitment and get strong support."

Here are some tips to remember when quitting smoking:

• Don't keep your intentions to quit a secret. Tell your friends and family and build a support network. And talk with your doctor about how quitting can improve your health.
• Throw away things that remind you of smoking, like lighters, ashtrays, or matches. Avoid being around smokers, and if your friends smoke, ask them not to smoke around you.
• Avoid bars and other places where smokers gather; go to the movies, museums, or other places where smoking is not allowed.
• Calm the nervous energy you may feel with physical and mental activity. Take long strolls and deep breaths of fresh air, and find things to keep your hands busy, like crossword puzzles or building a model ship.
• When the urge to smoke strikes, do something else. Call a supportive friend. Do brief exercises such as pushups, walking up a flight of stairs, or touching your toes. Keep oral substitutes like carrots, apples, raisins, or gum handy. And never allow yourself to think that "one won’t hurt," because it will.

November 21 is the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout. If you're ready to join millions of others in quitting tobacco for good, contact the Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for tips and information that can double your chances of success.