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American Cancer Society provides resources for people who want to quit smoking
Every year, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout by smoking less or quitting for the day on the third Thursday of November. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the most effective ways to quit for good.

Tobacco addiction has both a psychological and a physical component. Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have some means of support, such as nicotine replacement products, counseling, prescription medicine to lessen cravings, guide books, and the encouragement of friends and family members. Despite that, only about 1 in 7 current smokers reports having tried any of the recommended therapies during his or her last quit attempt.

This November 15, the Great Lakes Division invites smokers to accept the challenge to do something great for yourself by taking advantage of the many resources offered by the American Cancer Society to help you quit successfully.

The Great American Smokeout website offers complete and current information, guidance, and tools to help smokers decide to quit, plan their quit day, choose a quit plan, and stay quit. New interactive tools include the Quit Clock for daily tips leading up to your quit date, and the Craving Stopper to coach smokers through each craving as it occurs. There are also calculators to help smokers determine how many cigarettes they’ve smoked and how the cost of cigarettes adds up over time. Information about all nicotine replacement therapy options and other pharmaceuticals that increase your chances of success are explained, including a new drug called Chantix. Visit www.cancer.org/smokeout to take advantage of these great resources.

Many former smokers say a support network of family and friends was very important during their quit attempt. Other people who may offer support and encouragement are coworkers, your family doctor, and members of support groups for quitters.  

Free telephone-based tobacco cessation programs link callers with trained counselors. These specialists help plan a quit method that fits each person's unique smoking pattern. People who use telephone counseling stop smoking at twice the rate of those who don't get this type of help. With guidance from a counselor, quitters can avoid common mistakes that may self-destruct a quit attempt.

Telephone counseling is convenient because it doesn't require transportation or childcare, and it's available nights and weekends. Counselors may recommend a combination of methods including medicines, local classes, self-help brochures, and/or a network of family and friends.

For more information about materials, Quitline phone counseling, support groups, and other local resources, please call your American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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