Smoking Cessation
If you are a smoker and you want to quit, here are some commonly asked questions
and answers to help you begin.
Q. Why should I quit?
A. There are many reasons to stop smoking. Stopping will not only improve
your health and the health of those around you who inhale your second-hand
smoke but you’ll save money too. If that’s not reason enough
here are just a few more reasons why you should quit: Smoking contributes
to the development of cardiovascular disease, stroke, various cancers, lung
disease and high blood pressure. In women, it also increases the chance for
early menopause, osteoporosis and infertility.
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Q: If I’ve tried to quit before and failed,
won't I fail again?
A: Quitting tobacco is like learning to ride a bike. Some people succeed
the first time, but most try several times before they quit for good. If
you don't try, your chances are zero.
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Q: Using tobacco relaxes me and helps me cope
with stress. If I stop smoking, won't I be really nervous?
A: The nervousness you may feel is a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. Other
symptoms include craving tobacco, feeling restless and irritable, and having
trouble concentrating and/or sleeping. Symptoms are very strong for some,
and not so strong for others. If you’ve quit before and struggled with
the urges and cravings for more than a month, it is important to talk with
your doctor or counselor about using medicine when you quit next time.
The reality is smoking can make you more tense or anxious because nicotine
is a stimulant like caffeine. The good news is, research shows that people
who used to smoke, experience less stress than people who do smoke.
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Q. If I quit, won't I put on a lot of weight?
A: Some people gain weight when they quit tobacco. This is because they
eat more, they aren't active enough to use up the extra calories, and their
metabolism may slow down. Weight gain will vary. Most people who gain weight,
gain an average of 12 pounds. Large increases in weight are not good for
your health or self-image. But for most people who quit, a modest weight
gain is offset by the health benefits of quitting smoking.
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Q: I've already used tobacco for so long, can quitting even
help me?
A: Most of the harmful effects of tobacco are reversible. Your body begins
to recover within hours of the time you quit:
- Within 12 hours of quitting, your lungs begin to heal; your body is better
able to carry oxygen to important tissues.
- Once you stop feeling withdrawal symptoms, you'll probably sleep better,
have more energy and feel more relaxed than when you smoked.
- Studies show that there are very strong benefits of quitting at any age.
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Q: If I need some help to stop smoking, where should I go?
A: There are many resources available to help you stop smoking. You can
talk to your doctor and/or use the Free & Clear® Quit for Life™ Program, sponsored by The Sound Partnership.
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