Giving up tobacco can be like giving up on an old friend who doesn't treat you very well anymore. In some ways, you can't help remembering the good times you had together, but you realize that your "friend" is probably stabbing you in the back. Putting some distance between you is a good idea, but it's so hard to do and you may still want to hang out with your friend occasionally...just for old time's sake. You may be the type of smoker who never felt like a smoker. The habit just sort of happened. You image yourself as a nonsmoker, but you find yourself continuing to puff away.
No one needs to tell you what smoking may be doing to you physically. Yeah, you can always hope that you will be like your great-aunt who smoked for 60 years and is still going strong--but logic tells you that's unusual.
Maybe you've reached a point where smoking doesn't fit your concept of your future. Are you ready to try quitting?
Here is some information on what may help you:
1. Smoking Cessation This is a free Fresh Start program which is offered to students who are ready to quit smoking. Educational in nature, they provide you with strategies for quitting and support to keep you motivated. For students wishing to stop smoking, please call Health Education at 765-285-3775 for an appointment.
2. Online cessation programs- Sometimes you just have to do things on your own. If the cessation class schedule won't fit with your routine, try an online program like the Freedom from Smoking module offered by the American Lung Association. This free program can be accessed from any computer and offers a seven-module curriculum to help you kick the habit.
3. Medications and over-the-counter drug replacement therapies- If you have a strong physical addiction to nicotine, you may need some medicinal help getting past the cravings. Here are just a few of the products currently on the market that may help you:
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Zyban - An anti-smoking pill that seems to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. It contains no nicotine and can be used in combination with one of the other nicotine substitute products. Zyban seems to have an effect on the brain chemicals which are associated with nicotine addiction. Zyban (also called Wellbutrin) does require a prescription. Most insurance companies will pay for the prescription if it is written for Wellbutrin. Cost varies.
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Nicotine Patches - Nicotine patches are known as the nicotine transdermal system. The over-the-counter brand names are Nicoderm and Nicotrol. There are others which require a prescription and the names are Habitrol and Prostep. The process of using the nicotine patch takes from 8-12 weeks. Patches come in 3 different dosages. Cost is between $3.00-$5.00/day.
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Nicotine Gum - Nicotine gum is available over-the-counter. There are two dosage levels available. Should be used in conjunction with a psychological and behavioral modification program. Price varies.
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Nicotine Inhaler - This is a cigarette-type device made up on a cartridge containing nicotine with menthol and a mouthpiece. The nicotine inhaler is available by prescription and insurance companies generally do not pay. The cost ranges from $40.00-$55.00/package.
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Nicotine Nasal Spray - Can be obtained by prescription only. Nicotine is delivered into the person's nose from a pump bottle. Cost is approximately $40.00/day.
4. Indiana Tabacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW - The Indiana Tobacco Quitline is a free telephone-based helpline for smokers tobacco
users who want to quit. Just call 1-800-784-8669 anytime from 8:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week for help and support. A
trained Quit Coach will help you design a personalized quit plan. You will also receive a Quit Kit of materials to help you stay on
your plan. Services are available in English and Spanish with translation services offered for other languages.
The free-quitline is made possible through a supplemental grant to Smokefree Indiana from the Centers of Disease Control and
Prevention.
Try a combination of the above and wave good-by to that old friend.
Fpr further information:
American Lung Association of Indiana
American Cancer Association
American Lung Association