Smoking cessation is one of the most effective strategies for slowing down the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung and heart diseases. It improves respiratory symptoms and prevents accelerated lung function decline in all smokers, with or without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The sooner you quit tobacco, the more you can reduce your chances of getting cancer and other diseases.
While the journey to quit tobacco can be difficult, you do not have to do it alone. Smoking cessation support programs can help you identify the mental, physical, and social aspects of tobacco use in order keep you motivated and focused on your goal. Studies show that participants are six times more likely to be tobacco-free one year later than those who quit on their own.
In addition to support programs, there are several medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that can help you overcome intense cravings. Nicotine patches, nicotine gum and nicotine lozenges are available over the counter, and a nicotine nasal spray and inhaler are currently available by prescription. You also can talk to your provider about non-nicotine pills, such as bupropion SR (Zyban®) and varenicline (Chantix®).
While counseling or medication is likely to increase your chance of being successful, the combination of both is even more effective. Talk to your primary care provider, pharmacist or specialist to learn more about your options. It’s never too late to quit.
Summa Health offers a free Smoking Cessation Program for anyone looking for help in quitting the use of tobacco products. We offer virtual classes, one-on-one telephone consulting and one-on-one counseling in-person. Throughout our six-week course, participants learn about nicotine dependence and gain knowledge in different quitting methods. In our virtual classes, participants will benefit from the small group setting and have the ability to gain and lend support to each other.
Registration is required for our classes. The sooner you quit, the more you can reduce your chances of getting cancer and other diseases.
