Quit Smoking Tips

Almost half of women who smoke have tried to quit during the past year. Many women have to try two or three times before they are able to quit for good. It's hard work, but don't give up! Millions of women have been able to quit, and you can too!

Follow these steps to help you to quit for good:

• Learn how much you depend on nicotine. Knowing how addicted you are to nicotine can help you decide what kind of help you need.

• Get ready to quit by picking a date to stop smoking. Quitting all at once works better than trying to quit a little at a time.

• Write down why you want to quit. Keep this list as a handy reminder.

• Tell loved ones, friends, and coworkers your quit date. Ask them for their support. Ask them not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out around you.

• Create a fund. Each time you would normally buy a pack of cigarettes, put that saved money in a special place. If you used to smoke one pack per day, after one month, you've saved about $150. Set a goal and reward yourself once you reach that goal.

• Plan for challenges. Think ahead for how you will deal with situations or triggers that will make you want to smoke.

• Get medicine and use it correctly. There are many medicines that can help you quit and reduce your urge to smoke. You and your health care provider can decide what medicine will work best for you. Always first talk with your health care provider before trying any medicines, especially when you are pregnant or if you have heart problems.

• Be prepared for relapse. Most people start smoking again within the first three months after quitting. Don't give up if this happens to you. Many women try to quit several times before quitting for good. Learn from what helped you and what didn't the last time you tried to quit to increase your chances of success next time. It may help you to keep a craving journal to record when and why you smoke.>.

• Get more help if you need it. Join a quit-smoking program or support group to help you quit. Contact your local hospital, health center, or health department for quit-smoking programs in your area. Your state may also provide toll-free quit line phone numbers.