Patient Information: Childhood Illnesses

What You Should Know About

Smoking

Most of the news you hear about smoking is bad. For instance, there's the news that smoking kills nearly a half-million Americans every year. There's the news that smoking causes nearly every case of lung cancer-the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among adult Americans-and the vast majority of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. There's the news that smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. And there's the news that smoking causes a substantial percentage of premature births and low birth-weight babies.

But there's good news about smoking too. For instance, there's the news that more than 44 million Americans have already successfully quit smoking, which is almost as many as the 48 million who currently smoke. And there's the news that a full range of aids and strategies are now available to assist the many current smokers who'd like to quit. Although quitting still takes determination, and sometimes several tries, the chances of success may be better than ever.

Ways to quit

If you want to stop smoking, the first thing to do is give yourself a break. Nicotine is an addictive substance that reaches your brain very quickly-even more quickly than a drug that enters your body through a vein. Not only is nicotine physically addicting, but it becomes integral to your everyday activities and social life. It's no wonder smoking can be tough to quit.

Nevertheless, about 1 million Americans quit smoking each year, many of them without benefit of smoking cessation aids or support groups. Especially if you're open to the assistance that's readily available, you're already on your way to being smoke-free.

Nicotine replacement

One of the methods you can use to help yourself quit smoking is nicotine replacement, which allows you to slowly wean yourself from the effects of nicotine while also redirecting the habits that go along with cigarette use. Currently, nicotine patches and nicotine gum are available over-the-counter, and a nicotine nasal spray and inhaler are available from your doctor. Keep in mind that nicotine replacement therapies are most helpful when combined with a program that helps you address the psychological aspects of smoking in addition to the physical addiction to nicotine.

Medication

A medication called Zyban has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an aid to smoking cessation. You'll probably start taking the medication about a week before your selected quit date; then you'll keep taking it for another seven to 12 weeks. As with nicotine replacement, this treatment works best when combined with a behavior modification program.

Cessation aids

Many people find it helpful to attend a smoking cessation group such as those offered by the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, and many local hospitals. Others read self-help books or listen to tapes.

Getting ready

No matter which smoking cessation method you choose, your likelihood of quitting will be increased if you follow a bit of seasoned advice:

• Before you quit, think carefully about it and allow yourself time to prepare. This period may last days or even weeks.
• Focus on the day you'll quit permanently, and think about how you'll change your smoking-related behaviors.
• Buy smaller amounts of tobacco, such as a pack instead of a carton.
• Use your preparation time to decide on strategies that will help you quit.
• Make a list of the reasons you want to stop smoking.
• Work to understand your relationship to tobacco and when you're most likely to want a cigarette.
• Consider keeping a journal to track and understand your cravings.
• Develop nonsmoking ways to relax and deal with stress.
• Build a team of people who will monitor your progress and support your decision to quit.
• Many of the people who are now former smokers had to try several times before they quit for good.
• Above all, just keep trying.

Where to Get More Information

For more information, try these online resources.

• American Lung Association
• www.kickbutt.org - A service of Washington State
• Virtual office of the U.S. surgeon general
• www.quitnet.com - A free resource to quit smoking
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Arizona's Tobacco Education and Prevention Program
  You may also call 1-800-556-6222 to speak with a counselor
  for help to stop smoking.