2015 Resolutions: Resources to Quit Smoking

A research study published by the Journal of Clinical Psychology cited that quitting smoking often ranks among the top ten New Year’s resolutions, but only eight percent of those surveyed achieve their annual goals.

Whether you’ve attempted to quit smoking in the past or are making this resolution for the first time, these steps can help get you closer to achieving your goal.

• Start small. Focus on getting through one day without smoking and mark your progress on a calendar. You should start to feel the effects of quitting almost immediately. According to the CDC, less than 20 minutes after your last cigarette your heart rate will start to drop back to normal levels.
• List and avoid triggers. The desire to smoke often increases in certain environments or out of habit. Create a new routine to reduce the risk of triggers like these and help you to build healthier habits.
• Talk to your doctor about nicotine-release products. Nicotine products such as patches or gums may improve efforts to quit smoking when applied correctly. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the recommended strength of the product as heavy smokers should generally start with the strongest amount and decrease intensity over time.
• Build a support network. In addition to family and friends, there are several free programs throughout St. Louis to help provide additional support during weak moments. Learn more about smoking cessation programs here.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.