Fact: Tobacco use is an addiction. According to the U.S. Public Health
Service Clinical Practice Guideline, nicotine is a very addictive drug.
For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine.
Myth #2: Quitting is just a matter of willpower
Fact: Because smoking is an addiction, quitting is often very difficult.
A number of treatments are available that can help.
Myth #3: If you can't quit the first time you try, you will never be
able to quit
Fact: Quitting is hard. Usually people make 2 or 3 tries, or more,
before being able to quit for good.
Myth #4: The best way to quit is “cold turkey”
Fact: The most effective way to quit smoking is by using a combination
of counseling and nicotine replacement therapy (such as the nicotine
patch, inhaler, gum, or nasal spray) or non-nicotine medicines (such as
Bupropion SR). Your health care provider or smoking cessation clinic is
the best place to go to for help with quitting.
Myth #5: Quitting is expensive
Fact: Treatments cost from $3 to $10 a day. A pack-a-day smoker spends
almost $1,000 per year. Check with your health insurance plan to find
out if smoking cessation medications and/or counseling are covered.
Ready for more information?
The above information is used with permission from the University of
Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, a partner in
Aurora's efforts to help people stop smoking. Click below to find more
helpful information:
The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line offers free information on quitting
smoking, practical counseling on how to boost your chance for success,
and referrals to local programs and services available to help you. When
you call the Quit Line, a trained smoking cessation specialist will
answer your questions and help you put together a personal quitting
plan.
Visit the Quit Line Web site.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for
general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to
replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you
believe you have a health problem.
Myth #2: Quitting is just a matter of willpower