What’s Your Reason?
There are many reasons to quit smoking and using tobacco products. Do you want to
- Feel healthier?
- Save money?
- Stop exposing others to secondhand smoke?
Whatever your reason, write it down and keep it where you’ll see it, like on your bathroom mirror. If you feel tempted to smoke, this will remind you why you’re quitting.
Three Tips to Get Started
- Set a realistic quitting date.
- Cut down on the number of cigarettes you have each day.
- Limit your smoking to certain times or places.
Small steps make a difference when you’re getting ready to quit.
Where to Find Support
- Tell the people you’re close to that you’re trying to quit. Ask them for support and encouragement.
- Talk to a quit coach by calling the New York State Smokers’ Quitline (1-866-NY-QUITS). It’s free and confidential.
- If you have a smartphone, use the free quitSTART app from the National Cancer Institute to help you quit. The app can be downloaded from your phone’s app store.
Tips from People Who Have Quit
Sometimes distracting yourself can help. If you feel the urge to smoke, try
- Drinking a glass of water
- Chewing a carrot or a straw
- Going somewhere that smoking isn’t allowed, like a library
It’s not easy to quit, so if you do have a cigarette, don’t be discouraged. You can still do it, and you will, when you’re ready.
Medication Can Help
Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Quitting can also make controlling diabetes easier. Quitting can even lower your risk of many types of cancer over time. So if you’re ready to quit but need help, ask your primary care provider about medications (like pills, patches, and chewing gums) that can help you reach your goal.