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You will miss the nicotine at first. You may feel short-tempered and grumpy. You may have trouble sleeping or thinking clearly. The urge to use tobacco may continue for a time.
Combining tools can raise your chances of success. You can use medicine along with counseling. And you can join a quit-tobacco program, such as the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking program.
Get support. Reach out to family and friends, and find a counselor to help you quit. Join a support group, such as Nicotine Anonymous. Go to www.smokefree.gov to sign up for text messaging support.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that can help you quit. Medicines can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. There are several over-the-counter choices, such as nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges.
After you quit, do not use tobacco again, not even once. Get rid of all tobacco products and anything that reminds you of tobacco, such as ashtrays.
Avoid things that make you reach for tobacco. Change your daily routine. Take a different route to work, or eat a meal in a different place.
Try to cut down on stress. Find ways to calm yourself, such as taking a hot bath or doing deep breathing exercises.
Eat a healthy diet, and get regular exercise. Having healthy habits may help you quit using tobacco.
Don't give up on quitting if you use tobacco again. Most people quit and restart a few times before they quit for good.
Current as of: November 15, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
