Tips to Quit Smoking

Smoking is very harmful!

Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the U.S., claiming nearly 500,000 lives annually and costing the nation more than $300 billion each year.

The good news? Science-backed methods can help you quit for good.

Effective Strategies for Quitting

1. Counseling and Medication
   • Each is effective on its own, but together they more than double your chances of success.
   • Safe, proven medications include:
     • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhalers.
     • Non-NRT Prescription Medications: Bupropion and varenicline.
   • Combining long-acting NRT (e.g., patches) with short-acting NRT (e.g., gum or lozenges) increases your odds of quitting.
2. Follow Instructions Carefully
   • Using medications as directed boosts their effectiveness.
   • Many individuals, like Tiffany, succeed by adhering to the proper use of tools like nicotine patches.
3. Doctor Support
   • Your doctor can provide counseling, prescribe medications, and guide you through the quitting process.

The Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

The latest Surgeon General’s report underscores the profound health benefits of quitting, backed by decades of research:

• Life Expectancy and Quality of Life
  • Quitting can add up to 10 years to your life.
  • It enhances overall enjoyment of life.
• Reduced Disease Risks
  • Heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risks decrease.
  • Lowers the risk of 12 types of cancer, including lung, throat, pancreas, and liver cancer.
  • Cancer survivors reduce their risk of recurrence or death from cancer by quitting.
• Improved Lung Health
  • Slows the decline of lung function.
  • Halts progression of COPD.
• Heart Health
  • Reduces the risk of new or recurring coronary heart disease.

Benefits for Pregnant Women and Babies

• Quitting smoking improves maternal health and reduces the risks of serious pregnancy complications.
• Babies of mothers who quit are less likely to:
  • Be born with low birth weight.
  • Die in their first year of life.
• Planning to become pregnant? Quitting is one of the best steps you can take for your health and your baby’s future.

Take the First Step
Whether it’s your first attempt or your tenth, quitting smoking is possible.

Use proven strategies, seek support, and take control of your health today.

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