How do I stop smoking?

Once you truly want to quit, you must pick a method.

1. Cold turkey: Stop smoking all at once.
2. Tapering: Change to a lower level of nicotine or a brand you do not like. Decrease the number you smoke, until you get down to 3-4 cigarettes per day and then quit.
3. Nicotine replacement:

• The patch releases a constant amount of nicotine into your body. There is less nicotine released through a patch than through a cigarette. Usually you replace the patch every 24 hours.
• Nicotine gum reduces the urge to smoke quickly. Chew gum off and on for 30 minutes. Do not eat or drink within 15 minutes of using it. You will usually need 10 to 15 pieces per day; do not chew more than 30 per day.
• Nasal spray or inhaler, which are available by prescription only.
• Zyban, Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride): Pills taken one or two times per day, these have been very successful in helping people to stop smoking. It is also a mild antidepressant; often smokers share this symptom that is somehow relieved by smoking.

Gather support from family, friends and healthcare workers.

Set a date to quit and stick to it.

When you are trying to stop smoking:

If you have a relapse and start smoking again, don't give up. Try again and again and again. Never quit quitting. Remember: You do not fail unless you fail to try. As with many things, sometimes you must try repeatedly until you get it right.

For more information, or to find out about MedCentral's smoking cessation classes, contact Registered Respiratory Therapist Kathy Johnson at kjohnson@medcentral.org; or 419-526-8455.

Other information

• Ohio Tobacco use prevention website: www.standohio.org
• Ohio Tobacco quit line in affiliation with National Jewish Hospital 24 hour help line: 800-934-4840
• American Lung Association, 800-LUNG-USA; web site: www.lungusa.org

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Last updated January 21, 2005