Tips to Quit Smoking

Mother and teen daughter laughing in the kitchen, touching noses
Choose the health content that's right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox

When it comes to smoking, the opposite of the old adage is true: Quitters always win. If you want to quit smoking and make it stick, keep these simple but powerful tips in mind.

Find your motivation.

Define a concrete reason to quit, whether its to improve your health, be a good example for your children or save money.

Be accountable to someone.

Let friends and loved ones know that you're trying to kick the habit. It will help to keep you honest and on track, and allow them to lend support along the way.

Don't make deals with yourself.

Letting yourself sneak a cigarette today will only make it harder for you to get through tomorrow.

Do something else.

Find stress-relief alternatives: taking walks, biking, talking to friends, knitting whatever works for you.

Find strength in numbers

Support groups foster a sense of solidarity and let you know you're not in it alone.

Don't latch onto lapses.

Theres no shame in stumbling. If you fall off the wagon, don't beat yourself up, just climb back on.

Conquer the Craving

To help combat nicotine cravings, you can discuss several effective options with your doctor:

  • Nicotine Patches: Just remember, smoking while wearing a patch is extremely dangerous.
  • Nicotine Gums and Lozenges: For those who still need that oral fix connected to their nicotine intake.
  • Prescription Nicotine Inhalers and Nasal Sprays: If you simply must breathe it in, this is the closest you can come.

Get Support

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers free resources to help you quit, including an app that features technological aid (track cravings by day and location) and motivational tools. Learn more about it here.

If you need medically-guided support to quit smoking, we are always here. Find an AdventHealth physician near you who can help.

Recent Blogs

A Young Boy Grabs Some Vegetables From a Salad on a Kitchen Table.
Blog
Keeping Your Child’s Heart Healthy: Pediatric Cardiology
A man sitting at a table in a cafe staring in the distance while his laptop, a cup of coffee and a cup of water sit on the table.
Blog
Skin Deep: What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
Blog
Prostate Cancer: Early Detection, Advancements and Treatment Options
A Senior Woman Stares Out of a Window
Blog
Depression in Older Adults Recognizing and Addressing Mental Health
Blog
The Spectrum of Care: Optimizing Health Care for Individuals With Down Syndrome
View More Articles