Smoking Cessation

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 quitting 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 to keep you motivated and focused on your goal.

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.