1. Choosing to Live Tobacco Free
Lesson 2
Choosing to Live Tobacco Free

2. Reduced Tobacco Use Among Teens
National Reports show that 28% of high school students smoke
Down from 36% is 1997
Some of the factors that contributed to the decrease include:
Antismoking Campaigns
Financial Cost
Societal Pressures
Family Influence

3. Benefits of Living Tobacco Free
Avoiding tobacco use
Lowers risk of lung cancer
Lowers risk of heart disease
Lowers risk of stroke
Increases Cardiovascular Endurance
Increases Lung Function

4. Strategies for Preventing Tobacco Use
Choose friends who don’t use tobacco
Avoid situations where tobacco products may be used
Practice and use refusal skills

5. Reasons to Give Up Tobacco Use
Many teens who have quit tobacco use cite the following reasons:
They begin to have Health Problems
They have the desire, will, and commitment to stop
They realize how expensive the habit is
They realize that using tobacco can lead to other risky behaviors, such as the use of alcohol
They find it difficult to purchase tobacco products
They realize the damaging effects of secondhand smoke and don’t want to harm their friends and families

6. Stopping the Addiction Cycle
Millions of People succeed in their effort to quit tobacco use each year
This process can be difficult but not impossible
Most people who quit will experience Nicotine Withdrawal
Symptoms and discomfort will be temporary
Symptoms will include irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and cravings for tobacco

7. Stopping the Addiction Cycle
Many people who are trying to quit will use Nicotine Substitutes
Over-the-counter products that help in the quitting process

8. Getting Help – Tips for Quitting
People trying to quit might want to use the following tips
Prepare for the day
Get support and encouragement
Access professional health services
Replace tobacco use with healthier alternatives
Change daily behavior
Engage in healthful behaviors