- Question: Why should I quit?
Answer: You will live a longer and fuller life. Quitting lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer. People you live with, especially children, will be healthier. If you are pregnant, your chances of having a healthy baby improve. And of course, you will be saving as much as $20 per day depending on your habit and location.
- Question: What is the first thing I need to do once I’ve decided to quit?
Answer: You should set a definite day to quit – this day is when you will break free of your tobacco addiction. Consider visiting your doctor or other health care provider before the quit date. He or she can help by providing practical advice and information on what quit smoking product is best for you.
- Question: What quit smoking products would work best for me?
Answer: Different people do better with different methods.
Nicotine replacement devices, such as the electronic cigarettes [e-cig] reviewed on this site are really only useful as smoking alternatives. Check out our e-cig reviews here. If you’re serious about quitting, however, natural nicotine-free solutions are really the only way to go. Continuing to take Nicotine with a gum, e-cig or lozenge just prolongs the addiction. Check out some of the natural products I reviewed here.
- Question: How does quitting feel? Will I gain weight?
Answer: You will likely experience some withdrawal symptoms like anxiety. Be sure to research some quit smoking products to help you with these symptoms. Many smokers gain weight when they quit, but it is usually less than 10 pounds. Eat a healthy diet, stay active, and try not to let weight gain distract you from your main goal—quitting smoking. Some of the medications to help you quit may help delay weight gain.
- Question: Many of my friends and family are smokers. What should I do when I’m with them?
Answer: Tell them you’re quitting, and ask them to help you do so. Specifically, ask them not to smoke or leave cigarettes around you.
- Question: What activities might help me deal with the urge to smoke?
Answer: Many smokers develop a hobby when they quit, to keep their hands occupied. Talk with someone, go for a walk, drink water, or get busy with a task. Reduce your stress by taking a hot bath, exercising, or reading a book.
- Question: How can I change my morning routine, which includes smoking a cigarette with my coffee?
Answer: Changing your routine can improve your chances of quitting. Eat breakfast in a different place, and drink tea instead of coffee. Take a different route to work.
- Question: I smoke frequently when I drink? Do I have to quit drinking too?
Answer: It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol for the first 3 months after quitting because drinking lowers your chances of success at quitting. It helps to drink a lot of water and other nonalcoholic drinks when you are trying to quit.
- Question: I’ve tried to quit before without success. How can I improve my chances?
Answer: Most people actually quit at least 2 or 3 times before they finally kick the habit. Review your past attempts to quit. Think about what worked—and what didn’t—and try to use your most successful strategies again.
- Question: What should I do if I need more help?
Answer: Get individual, group, or telephone counseling. The more counseling you get, the better your chances are of quitting for good. Programs are given at local hospitals and health centers. Call your local health department for information about programs in your area. Also, talk with your doctor or other health care provider.
