EDITORIAL
Of course, it¹s seldom that easy, and it¹s not even possible unless quitting is something you know you want to do. Even then, it¹s a long process of changing a behavior that most smokers have become accustomed to over the course of decades. Just the same, it may be difficult, but it¹s not impossible. According to the American Cancer Society, it takes an average of seven tries for a smoker to successfully become a nonsmoker. If at first you don¹t succeed, find a better way to quit.
There are so many methods of quitting that there¹s bound to be one that fits your lifestyle and mindset, but you have to be intent on giving up the habit for any of them to work. That means dispensing with the excuses once and for all, overcoming the defeatist attitude and taking action.
Smokers often complain about the cost of breaking the habit. Many have determined that quitting cold turkey doesn¹t work for them, especially if they¹re trying to do it alone. The good news is that there are many resources at your fingertips that offer the positive reinforcement that¹s crucial to the effort. There are a host of online support groups and toll-free quit lines in addition to cessation courses. The American Cancer Society¹s suggestions in both categories can be found at www.cancer.org/livefreesmokefree.
If you think cost really is an issue, take a minute to calculate how much money you spend weekly even daily on cigarettes. One smoker cited a post-habit savings of $2,000 in the first year, which makes the $75 or so you may spend on nicotine-replacement products seem insignificant in the long run.
Prescription medications such as Zyban and Wellbutrin have helped some smokers stub butts out for good. Ask your health care provider if one of them is right for you. If you¹d rather go the prescription-free route, the Center for Tobacco Control at North Shore LIJ hospital offers a free six-week smoking-cessation program that requires no more than an hour a week of your time. The course combines classroom learning with telephone follow-ups, and even addresses weight-gain issues, which sometimes wreak havoc with even the best kick-the-habit intentions. You can call the center at (516) 466-1980 to find out when the next program begins.
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, certain cessation methods, including some nicotine-replacement therapies, are covered. If you don¹t, ask your insurance carrier whether it covers smoking cessation. A number of companies at least offer coupons for nicotine-replacement products, having concluded that it¹s in their best financial interest to help their smoking customers become smoke-free.
The bottom line is that there are as many good ways to quit as there are good reasons to quit, and there¹s one that¹s certain to work for you. If you value your health not to mention that of your family members, friends and co-workers keep trying until you find it.
