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How Quitting Helps
Smoking narrows the blood vessels and forces your heart to pump against
increased force. You can reduce this strain on your heart by quitting.
Advice
for Success
Here’s how to boost your chances of quitting for good:
- Set a stop date
in the near future, and stick with it.
- Use nicotine
replacement therapy if your doctor says it is safe for you. The nicotine
gum, patch, inhaler, or nasal spray can reduce your cravings and withdrawal
symptoms. You can buy the gum and patch over the counter. But don’t
buy these unless your doctor says it is OK.
- Take bupropion,
if your doctor suggests it. This prescription medicine can help you
quit if you use it alone or with nicotine replacement therapy.
- Join a formal
stop-smoking program or support group.
- When you quit,
try to keep busy and distract yourself. Make changes to your routine
that will help reduce your urge. For example, instead of smoking after
meals, go for a short walk.
- If you miss
having something in your mouth, try sucking on sugarless candy.
- If you slip,
don’t beat yourself up. Just try not to do it again.
  
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