Quit Smoking Tips

Benefits of a Quit-smoking Program

You may want to try a quit-smoking program or support group to help you quit. These programs can work great if you're willing to commit to them.

How do quit-smoking programs and support groups work? They help smokers spot and cope with problems they have when trying to quit. The programs teach problem-solving and other coping skills. A quit-smoking program can help you quit for good by:

• Helping you better understand why you smoke
• Teaching you how to handle withdrawal and stress
• Teaching you tips to help resist the urge to smoke

• Keep Busy
• Keep very busy today.
• Go to a movie.
• Exercise.
• Take long walks.
• Go bike riding.

Spend as much free time as you can where smoking isn't allowed. Some good places are malls, libraries, museums, theaters, department stores, and places of worship.

Do you miss having a cigarette in your hand? Hold something else. Try a pencil, a paper clip, a marble, or a water bottle.

Do you miss having something in your mouth? Try toothpicks, cinnamon sticks, lollipops, hard candy, sugarfree gum, or carrot sticks.

Drink a lot of water and fruit juice. Avoid drinks like wine and beer. They can trigger you to smoke.

Stay Away from What Tempts You

Instead of smoking after meals, get up from the table. Brush your teeth or go for a walk.

If you always smoke while driving, try something new: Listen to a new radio station or your favorite music. Take a different route. Or take the train or bus for a while, if you can.

Stay away from things that you connect with smoking. Do it today and for the next few weeks. These may include:

• Watching your favorite TV show
• Sitting in your favorite chair
• Having a drink before dinner

Do things and go places where smoking is not allowed. Keep this up until you're sure that you can stay smoke-free.

Remember, most people don't smoke. Try to be near non-smokers if you must be somewhere you'll be tempted to smoke, for example at a party or in a bar.

Understanding Quit Smoking Tips Recommended Resources:

University of Wisconsin

The University of Arizona