BSU Health Education: Tobacco Cessation

Tobacco Cessation Tips

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. Your image of yourself is 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 classes- These classes are offered by Health Education on a monthly basis during the academic year. Educational in nature, they provide you with strategies for quitting and a supportive group environment to keep you motivated. For information on the current schedule, click on the link to "Smoking Cessation Classes" in the top right corner of this page.

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. To register for this program, click on the link to "Freedom from Smoking Online Cessation Program" in the top right corner of this page.

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Try a combination of the above and wave good-by to that old friend.