Top 5 Ways to Quit Smoking
Your Steps to Quit Smoking

If you're looking for information on the top 5 ways to quit smoking, then this article may have just what you need!

What you're about to read is the result of ongoing interaction over a long period with other smokers like you who want to stop smoking successfully. This article was written to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about top 5 ways to quit smoking and to address common issues of interest. I hope you'll find this information helpful. (It's adapted from information found at the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site.

Studies have shown that these five steps to quit smoking will help you quit and quit for good. You have the best chances of quitting if you use them together.  

Get Ready

• Set a quit date.
   
• Change your environment.
  1. Get rid of ALL cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
  2. Don't let people smoke around you.
      
• Review your past attempts to quit. Think about what worked and what did not.
   
• Once you quit, don't smoke—NOT EVEN A PUFF!
   

Get Support & Encouragement

Studies have shown that you have a better chance of being successful if you have help. You can
get support in many ways —

• Tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you are going to quit and want their support. Ask them not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out where you can see them.
   
• Talk to your health care provider (e.g., doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, or smoking cessation coach or counselor).
   
• Get individual, group, or telephone counseling. Counseling doubles your chances of success.
   
• The more help you have, the better your chances are of quitting. Programs are available at local hospitals and health centers free. Call your local health department for information about programs in your area.
   
• Telephone counseling is available at 1–800–QUIT–NOW.
   

Learn New Skills & Behaviors

• Try to distract yourself from urges to smoke. Talk to someone, go for a walk, or get busy with a task.
   
• When you first try to quit, change your routine. Use a different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a different place.
   
• Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot bath, exercise, or read a book.
   
• Plan something enjoyable to do every day.
   
• Drink a lot of water and other fluids.
   

Get Medication & Learn to Use It Correctly

Medications can help you stop smoking and lessen the urge to smoke.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six medications to help you quit smoking:
  1. Bupropion SR—Available by prescription.
  2. Nicotine gum—Available over–the–counter.
  3. Nicotine inhaler—Available by prescription.
  4. Nicotine nasal spray—Available by prescription.
  5. Nicotine patch—Available by prescription and over-the-counter.
  6. Nicotine lozenge—Available over–the–counter.
      
• Ask your health care provider for advice and carefully read the information on the package.
   
• All of these medications will double your chances of quitting and quitting for good.
   
• Nearly everyone who is trying to quit can benefit from using a medication. However, if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under age 18, smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or other health care provider before taking medications.
   

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