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Many people who smoke use smoking to cope with the stresses and problems of everyday life.

  • It’s hard for people who smoke to think of a life without smoking until they learn new ways to manage stress and problems.

  • Remember that different methods work for different people.  What may seem silly to others may be just what you need to quit - so don't be embarrassed to try something new.

  • Pick a coping strategy that makes sense to you and then follow through by practicing it.  It will get easier the more you practice.

  • When you are feeling stressed, use your new coping skills.

  • When you are ready to quit smoking, new coping skills will give you a much better chance of success.

Is it really possible for me to quit smoking?

You may not be convinced that quitting is for you right now.  That’s ok. Smoking when you’re not ready to quit (even knowing the risks) is common among smokers. Many smokers do understand the health risks—cancer, heart disease, COPD, stroke—but continue to smoke anyway. That doesn’t mean they’re careless or uninformed. Public health recognizes this: not being ready to quit is a valid stage, not a failure.

For those who are not ready to quit, you can address your smoking by reducing your risk.

Thinking about Quitting?

If you are thinking about quitting smoking, you should consider nicotene replacement therapy combined with support from a group or one on one counseling.  

If someone is thinking about quitting smoking, combining nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with behavioral support significantly increases the chances of success.

Here’s why that combination works so well:

1️⃣ Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Options include:

  • Nicotine patches

  • Nicotine gum

  • Nicotine lozenges

  • Nicotine inhalers

  • Nicotine nasal spray

What NRT does:

  • Reduces withdrawal symptoms

  • Decreases cravings

  • Lets you focus on breaking the habit while your body gradually adjusts

It treats the physical dependence.

2️⃣ Counseling or Support Groups

Support can be:

  • One-on-one counseling

  • Group programs

  • Telephone quitlines

  • Online support communities

What support does:

  • Helps you manage triggers

  • Teaches coping strategies

  • Provides accountability

  • Reduces relapse risk

It treats the behavioral and emotional side of addiction.

Why Combine Them?

Research consistently shows that using NRT plus counseling roughly doubles (sometimes even triples) quit success rates compared to quitting without support.

Nicotine addiction has two parts:

  • Chemical dependence

  • Habit + emotional regulation

You get better results when you address both.

If you’d like, I can help you:

  • Choose the right type of NRT

  • Create a quit plan

  • Find support options in your area

  • Or build a personal craving-response plan

Quitting is hard — but it’s very doable with the right structure.

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