Tobacco Cessation

Thinking about quitting smoking/tobacco/chewing tobacco/vaping products is the first step towards doing it. Quitting can be a real challenge but it is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Reasons to quit

Most smokers become addicted to nicotine, a drug that is found naturally in tobacco. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) more people in the United States are addicted to nicotine than to any other drug. Research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol. Quitting smoking/Nicotine is hard and may require several attempts.

Benefits of quitting:

• In 20 minutes your blood pressure drops to normal • In 24 hours your chance of heart attack decreases
• In 3 Months lung function increases up to 30 percent
• In 1 year your risk of coronary artery disease is half that of a smoker.
• In 5 years stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.

Talk to your doctor about quitting. SGCMH can help.

It is difficult to quit smoking, and may require several attempts. Multiple resources are available to help you quit. Call the SGCMH Respiratory Therapy Department today. We offer individualized smoking cessation counseling and will help you find the resources you need to help you quit. Call 573-883-4487 to learn about the options.

Visit these online resources:
5 Steps to Quit Smoking
American Lung Association

The Missouri Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)