• Cancer of lung, larynx, mouth, and esophagus
• Coronary heart disease; strokes; chronic bronchitis
• Low bone density; hip fractures
• GERD and Peptic Ulcers

People who smoke may not understand or they may choose to ignore all of the risks listed on the labels of tobacco products. Smokers who do quit can lower their risks of contracting disease caused by smoking and can improve their overall health.

Products to help you quit smoking

Nicotin replacement products and other medications can help you stop smoking. They can not do all the work but they can sure double your chances to quit smoking. Although you can buy some nicotine replacement products without a prescription, it’s best to consult your doctor to decide which product — or combination of products — may be best for you.

1. Patches - Nicoderm, Habitrol and various generic products
   The nicotine patch is a small, self-adhesive patch that slowly releases nicotine into the bloodstream through the outer layer of skin. It can be applied anywhere between the waist and neck — often the upper arm or shoulder. Patches must be replaced every 24 hours.
   he patch may not be appropriate if you have certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Don’t smoke while using the patch. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness. The patch is often used for eight weeks or longer.
   NicoDerm CQ Stop Smoking Aid, 14 mg, Clear Patch, Step 2, 2 Week Kit 14 patches
2. Lozenges - Commit
   Nicotine lozenges are similar to hard candy. You place them between your gum and cheek and suck them slowly. Each lozenge lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Nicotine lozenges can be used discreetly to quickly satisfy cravings. You can use them as often as needed, up to 20 lozenges a day. They’re available in 2- or 4-milligram doses without a prescription. Nicotine lozenges may stick to dentures or other dental work. They’re not meant to be chewed or swallowed whole. Don’t smoke while using the lozenges. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.
   Commit Stop Smoking Aid, 4 mg, Original Flavor, Lozenges, 108-Count Box
3. Gums - Nicorette and various generic products
   Nicotine gum is made of a special material called polacrilex. To release nicotine from the gum, chew a piece until it has a peppery taste or you notice a tingly sensation in your mouth. Then, to absorb the nicotine, hold the chewed gum between your gum and cheek until the taste or tingly sensation disappears. Chew and hold again to release more nicotine. Repeat the cycle for about 30 minutes, until most of the nicotine has been released from the gum. You can buy it over-the-counter in 2- or 4-milligram doses and chew it as often as needed — up to 24 pieces a day. Nicotine gum is recommended for up to 12 weeks. Nicotine gum may stick to dentures or other dental work. Don’t smoke while using the gum. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.
   Nicorette Nicotine Coated Gum, Fresh Mint, 4mg, 100 Pieces
4. Nicotin Nasal Spray - Nicotrol NS
   Nicotine nasal spray is sprayed inside your nostril. The recommended dose is a spray in each nostril one to five times an hour. The nicotine in nasal spray reaches the bloodstream more quickly and begins working faster than other nicotine replacement products. You control the dose. Side effects often include nasal, sinus and throat irritation. You may also develop watery eyes, sneezing and coughing. Nicotine nasal spray is often used for eight to 12 weeks. Most people use one to two mists an hour at first and gradually taper to nothing. Nicotine nasal spray isn’t recommended for people who have a nasal or sinus condition, allergies or asthma. Don’t smoke while using the nasal spray. Rarely, you may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.
5. Bupropion - Zyban, Wellbutrin
   The antidepressant drug bupropion can help control nicotine cravings. It’s available as a prescription stop-smoking aid. Side effects may include insomnia and dry mouth. Rarely, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Bupropion is often used for seven to 12 weeks, beginning one to two weeks before you plan to quit smoking. For the first three days of bupropion therapy, many people take a 150-milligram tablet each morning. On the fourth day, they take another 150-milligram tablet about eight hours after the morning tablet. Bupropion may be used for smoking cessation maintenance for up to six months. You must discuss with your doctor if this is the right drug for you.
6. Varenicline - Chantix
   The newest drug just released for smoking cessation. It is available as a prescription smoking cessation aid. Side effects may include insomnia, nausea and headache. Varenicline is to be used for 12 weeks. While you are on Varenicline, you should not be smoking. It may be taken for additional 12 weeks for smoking cessation maintenance. You must discuss with your doctor if this is the right drug for you.

Go to the Interactice Tool

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing more than 440,000 deaths each year and resulting in an annual cost of more than $75 billion in direct medical costs. Nationally, smoking results in more than 5.6 million years of potential life lost each year (CDC). Quitting Smoking is Hard But YOU CAN DO IT! and YOU HAVE TO!Nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Quitting is hard. Usually people make 2 or 3 tries, or more, before finally being able to quit. Each time you try to quit, you can learn about what helps and what hurts.

Why Quit?

There are many reason that may motivate you to quit smoking. Jot down all of them on a sheet of paper. That will motivate you to quit. If you can not think of some, here are some reasons:

• You will live longer and live better.
• Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer.
• If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
• The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier.
• You will have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.
• You will not be coughing or feeling short of breath as much
• You will be setting better example for your children.

S.T.A.R.T. Quitting Tips

The following five ways will help you quit smoking.

• Set a quit date
• Tell others your plan to quit
• Anticipate and plan for challenges
• Remove all tobacco
• Talk to you Doctor. Medicines that help with withdrawal

Set a quit date

• Pick a date within the next two weeks to quit. That gives you enough time to get ready. But it’s not so long that you will lose your drive to quit. If you smoke at work, quit on the weekend or during a day off. That way you’ll already be cigarette-free when you return.
• Review your past attempts to quit. Think about what worked and what did not.

Tell others your plan to quit

• Quitting smoking is easier with the support of others. Tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit. Ask them not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out.
• Do you take any medicines? Tell your doctor and pharmacist you are quitting. Nicotine changes how some drugs work. You may need to change your prescriptions after you quit
• Get support from other people. You can try talking with others one-on-one or in a group. You can also get support on the phone. You can even try an Internet chat room. This kind of support helps smokers quit. The more support you get, the better. But even a little can help. The more counseling you have, the better your chances are of quitting.

Anticipate and plan for challenges

• Expecting challenges is an important part of getting ready to quit. Try to distract yourself from urges to smoke. Talk to someone, go for a walk, or get busy with a task.
• Most people who go back to smoking do it within three months. Your first three months may be hard. When you first try to quit, change your routine. Use a different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a different place.
• Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot bath, exercise, or read a book.
• You should also expect feelings of withdrawal (Bad mood, weight gain, anxious, difficulty sleeping). It is your body’s way of telling you it’s learning to be smoke-free. These feelings will go away in time.
• Drink a lot of water and other fluids.

Remove all tobacco

• Getting rid of things that remind you of smoking will also help you get ready to quit. Get rid of ALL cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
• Make things clean and fresh at work, in your car, and at home. Clean your drapes and clothes. Shampoo your car. Buy yourself flowers. You will enjoy their scent as your sense of smell returns.
• Have your dentist clean your teeth to get rid of smoking stains. See how great they look. Try to keep them that way.
• Some smokers save one pack of cigarettes. They do it “just in case.” Or they want to prove they have the willpower not to smoke. DON’T!  Saving one pack just makes it easier to start smoking again.
• Don’t use other forms of tobacco instead of cigarettes.

Talk to you Doctor. Medicines that help with withdrawal.

• Quitting “cold turkey” isn’t your only choice. Talk to your doctor about other ways to quit. Most doctors can answer your questions and give advice. They can suggest medicine to help with withdrawal. You can buy some of these medicines on your own. For others, you need a prescription.
• Medications can help you stop smoking and lessen the urge to smoke. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five medications to help you quit smoking:
  • Bupropion SR—Available by prescription.
  • Nicotine gum—Available over-the-counter.
  • Nicotine inhaler—Available by prescription.
  • Nicotine nasal spray—Available by prescription.
  • Nicotine patch—Available by prescription and over-the-counter.
• Ask your health care provider for advice and carefully read the information on the package. All of these medications will more or less double your chances of quitting and quitting for good.
• Everyone who is trying to quit may benefit from using a medication. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under age 18, smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or other health care provider before taking medications.

References:

• You Can Quit Smoking This is an on-line version of the consumer guide entitled You Can Quit Smoking. This popular Public Health Service brochure provides practical information and helpful tips for those who plan to quit smoking
• Complete Guide to Quitting (American Cancer Society)
• Smokefree.gov offers science-driven tools, information, and support that have been effective in helping smokers quit. Here, you will find state and national resources, free materials, and the best quitting advice the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and its partners have to offer.
• How Can I Quit Smoking? PDF (American Heart Association). Also available in: Spanish PDF
• Quit Smoking Action Plan (American Lung Association)

Recommended Books

• American Lung Association 7 Steps to a Smoke-Free LifeEdwin B. Fisher; Paperback; Buy New: $10.47
• 1440 Reasons to Quit Smoking: 1 For Every Minute of the DayBill Dodds; Paperback; Buy New: $7.95
• Stop Smoking in One Hour: Play the Cd…Just Once…and Never Smoke Again!Susan Hepburn; Paperback; Buy New: $11.87
• Complete Idiot’s Guide to Quitting SmokingLowell Kleinman MD; Paperback; Buy New: $11.87

Quit Smoking Products (buy online)

• NutraQuitNutraQuit Helps to Naturally:
  • Eliminate Nicotine Cravings
  • Minimize Withdrawal Symptoms
  • Repair Damage – Inside and Out
• Nicoderm CQ Heavy Smoker ProgramYou’ve made the decision…now stick to it with help from Nicoderm CQ®. The secret to Nicoderm CQ® patches is a structured program that gradually decreases your nicotine dependency over a 10 week period—in effect weaning you from smoking.
• Nicorette® Heavy Smoker 192 Piece Program - Mint Flavor You’re serious about quitting smoking. Now get the tools to help you follow through with Nicorette® nicotine gum. It’s the double-edged solution to quitting smoking for good.
• Commit® Lozenges Heavy Smoker 144 Piece Program You’re serious about quitting smoking. Now try the first and only stop-smoking lozenge. Commit® Lozenges have the power to help you fight your addiction anytime, anywhere.
• Smoke Away Stop Smoking Support Program

Trends in women’s lung cancer can be clearly linked to smoking behavior; currently observed increases in lung cancer rates mirror trends in women’s uptake of smoking 30-40 years ago.

Smoking cessation clinical trials reveal that the same treatments benefit both men and women. Therefore, the same interventions can be used with both men and women.

Some treatments, however, are less efficacious in women than in men (e.g., nicotine replacement therapies).

Additionally, although research suggests that women benefit from the same interventions as do men, women may face different stresses and barriers to quitting that may be addressed in treatment. These include greater likelihood of depression, greater weight control concerns, hormonal cycles, and others. This suggests that women may benefit from tobacco dependence treatments that address these topics.

Women who are considering becoming pregnant may be especially receptive to tobacco dependence treatment.

Tobacco use has been associated with fertility problems and miscarriage.

Internet Citation:

Women. U.S. Public Health Service. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tobacco/women.htm