Making the Decision to Quit

For many smokers, smoking controls their lives. They may have tried to quit several times, but each time returned to smoking again. They feel guilty and ashamed about their lack of success in giving up smoking.

It is important to know that it usually takes several tries to quit smoking for good.

It is worth every try!

Here is a list of some drawbacks of smoking. Which ones you are you concerned about?

• Smoking is bad for my health.
• Smoking makes me short of breath and I can't do physical activities as well as I used to.
• Smoking makes my breath, hair, clothes, home and car smell bad.
• Smoking is a health risk for people around me.
• I spend too much money on cigarettes.
• I feel that others don't like my smoking and don't want to be around me.
• I am setting a bad example for my children.
• I waste a lot of time during my day taking smoking breaks.

Giving up Smoking is the Right Decision!

How to Get Going

In order to be successful in giving up smoking, you need to learn about yourself and why you do the things you do. It is important to think about what feelings, activities or situations cause you to want to smoke.

First, think about the times you like to smoke. You may want to print this page, or write them down.

• When you get up in the morning
• After eating
• While drinking coffee
• While drinking alcohol
• When relaxing
• When you feel stressed
• When you are with others who smoke
• When you have strong feelings; like when you feel happy, sad, angry, or depressed
• When driving or riding in a car

A "Pack Track "* can be used to record when you smoke and why. Make copies and put one in each pack of cigarettes that you smoke. "Track" each cigarette that you smoke over the next few days by writing down why you want to smoke it and how you are feeling at that time. You will probably discover some patterns in your smoking behavior.

This information has been approved by Epi Mazzei, R.N. (June 2006).