What is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Quit Smoking?
- Your doctor: Your doctor can prescribe medications that can help you quit smoking. They can also provide you with counseling and support.
- The National Cancer Institute: The National Cancer Institute offers a free quit-smoking program called SmokefreeTXT. You can sign up for the program by texting “START” to 47848.
- The American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society offers a variety of resources to help you quit smoking, including a quit-smoking guide, a quit-smoking app, and a quit-smoking support group.
- Your local health department: Your local health department may offer quit-smoking programs or resources.
In addition to getting help, there are other things you can do to increase your chances of quitting smoking successfully. These include:
- Set a quit date: Pick a date that you’re committed to quitting smoking.
- Tell your friends and family that you’re quitting: Having their support can help you stay motivated.
- Get rid of all your cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia: This will make it harder for you to give in to cravings.
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress: When you quit smoking, you’ll likely experience some withdrawal symptoms. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.
Quitting smoking is a challenge, but it’s worth it. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. By quitting smoking, you can improve your health and your chances of living a long, healthy life.
Here are some additional tips that may help you quit smoking:
- Make a plan: Decide how you’re going to quit, and what you’re going to do to cope with cravings.
- Set realistic goals: Don’t try to quit cold turkey if you’re not ready. Start by cutting back on the number of cigarettes you smoke each day, and then gradually quit over time.
- Be patient: Quitting smoking takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you have setbacks. Just keep trying.
Remember, you’re not alone. Millions of people have quit smoking, and you can too. With help and support, you can be one of them.