When you quit smoking, things begin to change.
Click on the timeline to reveal benefits
When you quit smoking, things begin to change.
Click on the timeline to reveal benefits
BENEFITS OF QUITTING
MAKING THE DECISION TO QUIT
When you decide to quit smoking, vaping and dipping, you are making a commitment to yourself. Making a plan to quit with your healthcare provider is important. You should plan for how to manage triggering situations and how to cope with the effects of quitting. It is also important to identify the why behind your decision to quit. Your why is your driving force and often aligns with your values.
![Man holding two broken halves of a cigarette](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ThinkingAboutQuitting_Decision.jpg)
Questions to Consider When Deciding to Quit.
- What do I dislike about smoking?
- What do I miss out on when I smoke?
- How is smoking negatively affecting my health?
- What will happen to me if I continue to smoke?
- How will my life improve when I quit?
Quitting tobacco can be challenging, but have you ever considered what the benefits could look like? Find out how quitting all forms of tobacco can positively affect your life, and see if it tips the scale for you!
The Positive Effects of Quitting Tobacco
We know quitting tobacco is hard. But the more you prepare yourself, the more likely you are to quit for good. Learn how to make and stick to a quit plan and how medications and other options can help you on your journey. Let’s get started!
SHARE YOUR DECISION TO QUIT WITH LOVED ONES
Telling those you care about that you want to quit smoking is an essential step. A strong support group can provide encouragement and accountability in your journey.
![Sunset in the background, six people sit on top of a hill with their arms raised](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ThinkingAboutQuitting_ShareDecision.jpg)
- Share your reasons for quitting with loved ones.
- Ask loved ones to occasionally check in on your progress.
- Ask loved ones to join you in smoke-free activities.
- Ask a loved one who also wishes to quit to be accountability buddies.
- Ask loved ones that smoke to refrain from smoking around you or reduce your exposure to them when they smoke as much as possible.
- Ask loved ones to not offer you a cigarette, no matter what you say or do.
- Ask for your loved ones’ patience as you navigate your quitting journey.
Quitting smoking can be very difficult. Your brain has to get used to not having nicotine around and you have to get used to a routine that does not include smoking.
NICOTINE AND YOUR BRAIN
![Dark haired woman with her hand on her chest looking like she is anxious](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ThinkingAboutQuitting_Nicotine.jpg)
Nicotine changes how your brain works, making it difficult to quit smoking.
- Nicotine is addictive and it triggers chemicals that make you feel good.
- Some medicines that aid in smoking cessation contain nicotine, using a step-down approach to quitting. This should be done with the help of your provider.
When you quit smoking, your brain can respond in a variety of ways. These are some symptoms of withdrawal:
- Feeling anxious or upset
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Strong urge to smoke
- General discomfort, restlessness
Reach out for help from your provider and loved ones as you work through withdrawal.
NICOTINE AND YOUR ROUTINE
![Dark haired woman with her hand on her chest looking like she is anxious](/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ThinkingAboutQuitting_Nicotine_Routine.jpg)
Smoking can be a part of your routine that you may not recognize.
- Normal breaks in your day that used to be filled with smoking, such as work breaks, talking on the phone, or hanging out with friends, may become more difficult once you quit.
- Create a plan for managing these moments when you used to smoke.
Urges to smoke, including unexpected experiences like stress, will arise.
- Feelings and life events can trigger the desire to smoke. Create a plan with your provider to mitigate your urge to smoke during these times.
QUITTING RESOURCES
Call 1 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/features/quitlines/index.html
Sources
https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/why-you-should-quit/why-do-you-want-to-quit
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/When-you-are-not-ready-to-quit-tobacco.aspx
https://www.ycq2.org/how-to-quit-tobacco/thinking-about-quitting/
https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/why-you-should-quit/benefits-of-quitting
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007532.htm
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/quitting-smoking-older-adults
https://60plus.smokefree.gov/quit-smoking-60plus/not-ready-to-quit