Stop Smoking

Do You Want to Stop Smoking?

Another year passes. You’ve smoked 365 packs, times 20, or 7300 more cigarettes. You’ve spent more than $700 and that cough is getting worse. Is it time to call it quits? Can you be a successful smoke stopper? You probably have heard lots of reasons why you should quit. A few of them include heart disease, cancer, emphysema, osteoporosis, skin wrinkling, endangering the health of children or other family members through second-hand smoke, and even social rejection. But if these are not YOUR reasons and motivation to quit, then none of these reasons can help you become a non-smoker. However, when serious health risks become real and important to you, then you have internalized their true message. This will be important motivation to help you stop smoking.

The most common reasons given for not quitting smoking are: fear of failure; fear of weight gain; and not knowing how to quit. If you put off quitting because you are afraid of failure – -you are not alone. Most successful quitters have previously failed at least twice. But remember – – if you don’t even try, you will fail.

To put the odds in your favor:

• Wear the nicotine patch to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone is a candidate. Find out if you are.
• Write down your reasons for quitting and carry the list with you. It is your ammunition to help you through the tough times.
• Meet with a smoking cessation counselor to discuss your goals and options.
• Find out if you are a candidate to use the nicotine patch or gum and /or new prescription medications.
• Be honest with family and friends regarding your desire to quit. Ask for their support.
• Exercise to burn excess calories, give yourself a sense of well-being, to help relieve stress, and to use as an alternative to smoking.

Now that you’ve made that all important decision to stop, get the advantage of professional support. Speak with your doctor and then call to make your first 30 minute appointment with the Registered Dietitian, our Smoking Cessation Counselor.

Which STOP SMOKING Product Is Right For You?

Non-Prescription Nicotine, Replacement Products, Nicotine patch

Recommended for people who want convenient, step-down doses to gradually reduce nicotine intake; flexibility of 16 or 24 hour use; consistent release of nicotine into their bloodstream; or who do not want to chew gum.

Nicotine gum

Recommended for people who want instant oral gratification; to more closely control when and how much nicotine to use; or who have had skin reaction/rash from using the patch. May also help delay/prevent unwanted weight gain from uncontrolled eating or excess snacking.

Prescription Medications For Quitting Smoking

Approximately 90% of nicotine absorbed by the lungs reaches the brain within about 10 seconds after each inhalation of cigarette smoke. Nicotine is believed to affect certain neurochemical brain pathways that lead to “reward” and “withdrawal” symptoms in smokers.

Recently, two new medications (Zyban & Wellbutrin)containing Bupropion HCL have been developed and approved for use by people who want to quit smoking. Studies have shown that these medicines may reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as the urge to smoke. Both products can be used at the same time that a nicotine patch or nicotine gum is used, with a doctor’s supervision.

Most common side effects: dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, shakiness, skin rash.

For more information regarding the possible use of these medications, please contact your doctor or dietitian.

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