Smoking Cessation Health Center
Quitting Smoking - Overview
Is this topic for you?
In this topic, you'll find strategies for quitting smoking and staying smoke-free. Find where you want to go now:
- Are you Ready to Quit Today?
- Are you Thinking About Quitting?
- Are you Dealing With Relapse?
- Are you Trying to Quit Smokeless Tobacco?
Are you ready to quit?
Maybe you have already taken your last puff or are ready to quit today. That's great. This information will help you stick to your resolve to kick the habit for good.
Or maybe you want to plan ahead
before you quit. How ready are you to quit? To find out, use the
Interactive Tool: Are You Ready to Quit Smoking? 
It's okay if you aren't ready now. But you may want to quit at some point. So keep learning and preparing yourself. Many smokers do quit. You can too.
Why do you want to quit?
Think about why you want to quit. Maybe you want to protect your heart and your health and live longer. Or maybe you want to be a good role model for your kids or spend your money on something besides cigarettes. Your reason for wanting to change is important. If your reason comes from you-and not someone else-it will be easier for you to try to quit for good.
Use these tools to find your risk of heart attack based on how much you smoke and to find out how smoking affects your lifespan:
-
Interactive Tool: How Does Smoking Increase Your Risk of Heart Attack?
-
Interactive Tool: How Does Smoking Affect Your Lifespan?
How can you quit?
You don't have to quit alone. Ask your family, friends, and doctor to help you. Quitting is hard, but it can be done. Many people like you are able to quit for good. Knowing what helps can make it easier.
- Get ready. If you're ready to quit right now, go ahead. Medicines and support can help you stay on track. But if you want to plan ahead, you don't have to stop right away. Set a date to quit. Pick a time when you won't have a lot of stress in your life. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, or spit cups before you quit. Don't let people smoke in your house.
- Change your routine. For example, if you smoke after eating, take a walk instead.
-
Use medicine. It can help with cravings and stress, and it doubles your chances of quitting smoking.1 You can buy nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches without a
prescription. See a picture of
how to use patches to help you quit smoking
. Your doctor may also prescribe
medicine, such as bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix). -
Get support. Seek help from:
- The national tobacco quitline: 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).
- Stop-smoking programs, such as the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking program or your state health department.
- Doctors, nurses, or therapists for counseling.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
