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Lung and Respiratory Diseases

Five Steps Help You Stop Smoking Now

For more than 45 million adults in the United States, smoking cigarettes has become a dangerous daily habit that is difficult to break.

Smoking results in nearly 150,000 lung cancer deaths and more than $150 billion in associated health-care costs annually, according to the American Lung Association.

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,800 chemicals - 69 of which are known to cause cancer.

Research has shown that smoking is directly responsible for 90 percent of diagnosed lung cancer cases and 80 to 90 percent of emphysema and chronic bronchitis deaths.

Lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in both men and women. The adverse health affects don’t stop in our lungs - smoking has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, infertility and many other illnesses.

Understanding the factors that motivate you to smoke and developing a realistic plan for managing them are keys to kicking the habit and avoiding serious health complications.

Try this five-step approach:

  1. Set a quit date, and stick to it.

    Choose a date that's achievable, but also in the near future - ideally within the 10-14 days. If you smoke at work, try quitting on a weekend. If you smoke mostly when relaxing or socializing, quit on a weekday. Give yourself a goal and stick to it.

  2. Identify specific coping strategies that will work for you.

    By making a specific -and realistic- plan ahead of time, you'll be more equipped to avoid the temptation to smoke cigarettes. Some examples of coping strategies include taking a walk, calling a friend or listening to soothing music.

  3. Carry a bottle of water and chewing gum at all times.

    Drinking a large amount of water will not only keep you hydrated, it will also help you fight off tough tobacco cravings. Chewing gum is a good oral substitute to cigarettes and will curb unhealthy snacking.

  4. Constantly remind yourself of all the reasons you want to quit.

    Write all the reasons it's important for you to stop smoking on sticky notes and post them around your house, office, car and anywhere else you may be tempted to light up.

  5. Get support from family and friends.

    It's difficult to stop smoking if you are continually surrounded by smokers. If your family, friends and co-workers smoke, ask them to avoid doing so around you. The same network of people can also provide a sympathetic ear and encouragement when you need it.

This article originally appeared in UC Health Line (10/28/05), a service of the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center Public Relations Department and was adapted for use on NetWellness with permission, 2006.

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Last Reviewed: Sep 18, 2006

University of Cincinnati John Howington, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery
Director
Division of Thoracic Surgery
Department of Surgery
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati
John Howington, MD