Thinking About Quitting?

Good for You!

If you are thinking about quitting, you have taken the first step in doing yourself a huge favor. Quitting is the most important thing you can do for your health, and the sooner you quit, the sooner you reverse the damaging effects of tobacco.

The Process of Change

As a smoker, it is important to understand that quitting is a process. Changing stubborn behaviors and addictions, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, is often described as occurring in five steps. Where are you in the process of change?

• Precontemplation – having no intention or desire to change
• Contemplation – knowing you need to change but not taking any steps toward change
• Preparation – taking the initial steps to change such as learning more, seeking advice or just committing to change
• Action – engaging in the change behavior
• Maintenance – incorporating change into your daily life, while preventing relapse

Have a Plan

You know how many ways quitting tobacco will benefit your health, your family, your wallet, and your everyday life. The next step is having a plan. Planning well and knowing what to expect are of enormous importance on the road to success.

When you plan your strategy for quitting tobacco, use the U.S. Surgeon General’s Five Keys to Quitting.

Quitting Tobacco When You Have Behavioral Health Conditions

It is a common myth that quitting should be avoided until depression, anxiety, alcohol, or other drug addictions are fully treated. In fact, treatment for nicotine-dependence treatment should be incorporated into the treatment for these other conditions. Visit our Behavioral Health section for more information.

Look For Support

Support from family, friends, and co-workers is key to your quitting success. Identify those who will be supportive in your quit attempt and ask for their help. You can also contact your local health care provider for support tips or find a local support group in your area.

Just Try It

It’s normal to feel afraid of quitting and even more afraid of failing. But trying to quit means you are learning – not failing. Many people try to quit several times before they are tobacco-free. If you don’t quit for good on your first try, it’s an opportunity to learn from past attempts so you can reach your goal.

So just try it – every attempt you make means you are closer to your ultimate success at being tobacco-free.

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