Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to quit smoking this coming year.
Develop a Quit Plan
Planning ahead is a major part of successfully quitting smoking. Smokefree.gov offers details on how to create an effective quit plan, including:
- Picking a quit date. Starting the new year smoke free is a great idea.
- Letting loved ones know you're quitting so they can support you.
- Listing your reasons to quit smoking.
- Identifying triggers that make you want to smoke so you can avoid them, especially during the early days.
- Having places you can turn to for immediate help, including the free resources listed below.
Use Free, Effective Resources
There are many free resources for people trying to quit smoking:
1-800-QUIT-NOW(1-800-784-8669) or 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) (for Spanish speakers). This free quitline offers a lot of resources, including free quit coaching, a free quit plan, free educational materials, and referrals to other resources where you live.
Smokefree TXT. This free 24/7 program sends encouragement, advice, and tips to help smokers quit smoking and stay quit. To get started, just text QUIT to 47848, answer a few questions, and you'll start receiving messages.
Online Help. ThisTips From Former SmokersWeb page provides additional helpful online quit resources.
Smokefree Apps, The free QuitSTART app, developed with teens in mind, can help track cravings and moods, monitor progress, and identify smoking triggers.
Find a Medication That Is Right for You
Because cigarettes contain nicotine, a powerfully addicting chemical, your body may feel uncomfortable until it adjusts. This is known as withdrawal, and there are medications that can help lessen this feeling and the urge to smoke. Studies show that smokers who use medicine to help control cravings, along with coaching from a quitline, in a group, or from a counselor, are much more likely to succeed than those who go it alone. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider before using any medications if you are pregnant or nursing, have a serious medical condition, are currently using other medications, or are younger than 18 years of age.
From CDC.gov
