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Quit-Smoking Programs

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Topic Overview

A good quit-smoking program can help a person quit smoking by providing support and encouragement. Programs are available for you to attend in-person, by telephone, or online (on the Internet). Look for a program that is led by someone who has had training in helping people quit smoking.

Better in-person smoking cessation programs:

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Unusual Ways to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is tough. But it can be done -- and many people get creative to kick the habit. Take Sandi Sedberry, 44, of Rock Hill, S.C. You might say her method was motherly love. Sedberry smoked for 26 years. Last November, when she discovered that her 19-year-old son, Ricky, had picked up the habit, she was motivated to change. “I made a pact with him to quit together,” she says. Sedberry bought a case of chewing gum and says she walked around looking like Bessie the Cow, for about 2 months,...

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Have at least 4 to 7 sessions that include self-help materials and individual or group counseling.
Have sessions that last at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Last at least 2 weeks past your quit date. Some programs spend several weeks preparing for the quit date. The program is often most useful after you have quit.
Are affordable. Many programs are free or low-cost. Others cost more. Some health insurance companies or employee assistance programs (EAPs) cover the cost of smoking cessation programs.

Telephone-based programs to quit smoking link callers to trained counselors. These counselors can help you put together a quit plan that is tailored to how you smoke and help you avoid common problems. This is available without cost in all states by calling the national tobacco quitline: 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Online quit-smoking programs may work for you if your schedule doesn't allow you to attend in-person programs. There are many programs, such as the one at www.smokefree.gov, that offer programs and resources to help you quit smoking.

Most state health departments can recommend a program in your area.

Change your quit date to match the program date. In many communities, programs are only offered 2 to 3 times a year. Keep this in mind as you plan your time line for quitting.

Avoid any program that promises to make quitting easy or that sounds like it has the only answer or a "secret" method that works better than any other method. There are no "magic bullets."

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 06, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.