The Great American Smokeout is November 19
Quitting smoking can be hard, so a good plan can help you get past symptoms of withdrawal.
- Set a quit date. Choose the Great American Smokeout date or another day within the next two weeks.
- Tell your family and friends you plan to quit. Share your quit date and ask for support. A daily email, text or phone call can help you stay on course. Plan a smoke-free lunch date or game night to distract yourself. Or gather your family to cook a special meal together.
- Plan for challenges. Each urge to smoke is short – usually lasting only 3 to 5 minutes. But these moments can feel intense. Before your quit day, write down healthy ways to cope: drinking water, taking a walk, listening to a favorite song, playing a game or calling a friend.
- Remove cigarettes from your home, car and workplace. Throw away cigarettes, matches, lighters and ashtrays. Clean your car, home and workplace. Old cigarette odors can cause cravings.
- Talk to your pharmacist, doctor or quitline coach (900-QUIT-NOW) about quitting options. Nicotine patches, gum or other approved medicines may help with cravings.
–Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Recent Comments