Smoking is the leading cause of Lung Cancer and COPD in the US. It is also a leading cause of stroke and heart disease and is linked to most forms of cancer. Smoking is a contributing factor to 7 out of the top 10 causes of death in the US including all of the top 3 causes. If you are a smoker, the number one way to improve your health and reduce risk of disease and early death is to quit smoking.
Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things for any smoker to do. Smoking is a habit and learned behavior that took years of conditioning to develop and will take a tremendous amount of will power and dedication to break. The nicotine in tobacco is psychologically addicting while also causing the body to become physically dependent upon it. Your body becomes addicted to nicotine after prolonged use of tobacco so when you quit smoking, your body will go through withdrawal. While nicotine withdrawal is a bit milder than other addictive substances such as heroin or alcohol, any withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and can derail an attempt to quit.
Community Care Physicians is here to help you quit smoking and improve your health! Below are some links to additional resources to help you along your journey to becoming an ex-smoker.
Before you quit you must have a reason for quitting and pick a quit date. Once your quit date arrives and you decide that you have smoked your last cigarette, then the real work begins on your journey to becoming an ex-smoker.
You know you should quit smoking
You know all about the health risks associated with smoking. Here are some of challenges with nicotine addiction, and how to address them when quitting smoking.
New York State Department of Health Tobacco_Control
The New York State Department of Health envisions a tobacco-free New York State to reduce morbidity and mortality and to alleviate the social and economic burdens caused by tobacco use.
New York State Smoker’s Quitline
The New York State Smoker’s Quitline has resources, facts, and tools to help you quit smoking. Visit their website or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).
American Lung Association Stop Smoking
The American Lung Association wants to help you or a loved one quit smoking. With tools, tips, and resources they are there every step of the way. The important thing is to keep trying to quit, until you quit for good.
American Cancer Society Stay away from Tobacco
Quitting tobacco is not easy, but it can be done. Whether you’re a smoker, someone who uses smokeless tobacco, or someone trying to help a friend or loved one, you’ll find the information you need from the American Cancer Society’s section on staying away from tobacco.