1. Why and How to Quit Smoking
Presented by HealthLinks

2. Almost Everybody Seems to Know that Smoking Is…
The number one preventable cause of premature death in the United States
Associated with lost work productivity and high costs
Associated with negative perceptions in social situations
Discouraged by state government and the workplace

3. Smoking is the Single Most Preventable Cause of Premature Death and Disease
Smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is a major risk factor for heart disease
For every 1 person who dies from a smoking-attributed disease, there are another 20 people suffering from at least 1 serious smoking related illness

5. Why do People Continue to Smoke?
Most people smoke because they are addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes
Causes changes in the brain that make people want to use it despite risks
Smoking is a cycle of craving, smoking, calming and craving
Some people continue to smoke because smoking becomes part of their daily habits

7. Why It’s Hard to Quit – Withdrawal Effects
Craving and withdrawal symptoms are the major hurdles
Smokers might feel bad when they first stop smoking. Some people don’t experience symptoms; for those who do, the symptoms often go away in a few weeks
It is often the habits/daily triggers that cause a relapse

9. Myths about Smoking and Quitting
Myth 1- It’s just a matter of will power
Wrong. The nicotine in cigarettes is addictive, and it isn’t easy to break that addiction
Myth 2 – If you fail at the first quit attempt, you’ll never be able to quit
Wrong. It takes on average six quit attempts before a person is successful in breaking the habit. Each quit attempt should be viewed as a learning experience

10. Potential Health Benefits of Stopping Smoking
Time After Stopping
20 minutes
BP, HR, and peripheral circulation improves
24 hours
CO levels drop
48 hours
Nicotine eliminated; taste and smell improved
2-12 Weeks
Lung function can improve up to 30%
3-9 Months
Shortness of breath and coughing decrease
1 year
Risk of MI reduced by 50%
10 years
Risk of lung cancer reduced by 50%
15 years
Risk of MI and stroke fall to the same level as a nonsmoker
Potential Health Benefits of Stopping Smoking

11. Potential Benefits of Quitting
People who quit smoking save money by not buying cigarettes
Food tastes better; because senses of smell and taste may return to normal
Hair, clothes, car and home will not smell of cigarettes
Someone who has quit will now be in control of their life, rather than being controlled by cigarettes and cravings

12. How to Quit Quitting smoking may be the most
important step a smoker can take to
Improve their health
Think about the reason for quitting
Learn how to overcome nicotine cravings
Make changes in habits

13. Individual or group counseling Quit smoking medications
How to Quit
Learn about quitting resources/support
Quitline – QUIT-NOW
Individual or group counseling
Quit smoking medications
A combination of treatments may work
better than just a single approach

14. More About Quit Smoking Medications
Varenicline (CHANTIX®)
Many smoking cessation products contain nicotine, but CHANTIX works differently. CHANTIX was specifically designed to help adults stop smoking without the use of nicotine
CHANTIX targets nicotine receptors in the brain, attaches to them and blocks nicotine from reaching them
Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT)
Medicines that may help decrease a smoker’s withdrawal symptoms by giving a controlled dose without the other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes
Patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler
Bupropion (Zyban®, Wellburtrin®)

15. How to Quit Choose a quit date within 2-3 weeks Be aware of triggers
Throw away cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and other smoking gear
Smokers should tell friends and family about their quit date and ask for their support

17. Staying Quit
When a smoker has quit, the important thing is to “stay quit” and maintain their smoke-free lifestyle
When someone stops smoking, the chemical craving stops after a few days or weeks
For most ex-smokers, just one cigarette can take the craving right back to where it was before they quit

18. Summary Smoking has negative consequences and complications
Cigarette smoking is a medical condition that can benefit from treatment
Smoking cessation is difficult and is more successful with counseling and medication
Quitting is worth it