December 2000
Every year about 46% of smokers try to quit. Giving up tobacco is a popular New Year's resolution and New Year's Day is a favorite quit day. If you have tried to quit before and did not succeed, don't give up. Most tobacco users who have quit for more than a year made several quit attempts. What can make the difference this time?
1. Motivation. Your willingness to quit is the key. Many tobacco users would like to quit but have not become motivated enough. Focus on your reasons for quitting.
2. Talk to your doctor. Tobacco use affects your health. Tell your doctor that you use tobacco and follow his/her advice.
3. Use available quit aids. Studies have shown that use of an aid, whether it is the patch, gum, inhaler or medication, increases long-term quit rates. Work with your doctor to find the aid that works best for you.
4. Counseling works! Counseling has been shown to be effective in quitting tobacco. There are groups available through many health care providers. Phone counseling has a high success rate. Call the California Smokers' Helpline at (1-800-662-8887) or the California Chewers' Helpline at
(1-800-844-3439).
These tips are from Reducing Tobacco Use, A Report of the Surgeon General, 2000.
