What difficulties might
I have when I quit?
Common effects of quitting are people temporarily
feel anxious, irritable, hungry, more tired, and
have difficulty sleeping. You might also have a hard
time concentrating and might experience weight gain – usually
less than 10 pounds. These changes do go away and
you are healthier in the long run.
What if I slip up and smoke a cigarette?
One cigarette is not a relapse so don’t give
up. Many smokers find it may take 2-3 attempts to
finally quit. Relapse is most common in the first
few weeks or months but if you can make it 3 months,
you have a great chance at remaining cigarette free
for the rest of your life.
Do I really need to quit smoking?
Yes! Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly
one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States each year and yet it is
the most preventable cause of death in our country. Lung cancer is the leading
cause of cancer death and smoking is the most common risk factor for the
development of lung cancer. Smoking is also linked to cancers of the esophagus,
larynx, kidney, pancreas and cervix. It also increases the risk of chronic
lung disease and heart disease.
What are the benefits of quitting?
Short term
Almost immediately, your circulation will begin
to improve and the carbon monoxide level in your
blood will begin to decline
Your pulse and blood pressure will begin to return
to normal
Your sense of taste and smell will return within
a couple of days
Long term
Within ten or fifteen years, your risk of premature
death is close to that of a person who never smoked
Your risk of dying from lung cancer is 50 percent
less that if you had continued to smoke
At what age is it beneficial to quit?
Any age! Some older adults may not perceive the
benefits of quitting but, for example, if you quit
before age 50, you reduce the risk of dying in the
next 16 years by 50%. By age 64, your chance of dying
is close to that of someone who has never smoked.
Older adults who quit also reduce the risk of developing
infections such as pneumonia and coronary heart disease. |
What Help Can I Get To Quit?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement products deliver small,
steady doses of nicotine, which helps to relieve
withdrawal symptoms. Using a combination of
nicotine replacement patches, gum, nasal spray
and inhalers appears to be most effective.
Other Smoking
Cessation Aids
Bupropion, a prescription antidepressant marketed
as Zyban, can also help reduce withdrawal symptoms
and the urge to smoke.
Smoking Cessation Programs
The support of nonsmokers has proven helpful
to stop smoking. A list of stop-smoking support
groups in your area is available through
the
New York State Quit Line
1-888-609-6292
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