Now that you have decided to quit where do you go, what do you do. First, talk to your doctor and set up a quit plan.
Decide what approach you want to take to quit, there are many combinations out there.
QUIT Methods
Cold Turkey: With Cold Turkey you will select a Quit Date and Quit abruptly at that time. For example: Today you are smoking 1 pack a day, tomorrow you will smoke none.
Tapering: Set a Quit Date. Now take the amount of cigarettes you smoke a day, each day after reduce the number of cigarettes smoked by 2-5 until you reach your pre-determined QUIT Date. For example: It is Monday you are smoking 1 pack per day (20 cigarettes). You have made Friday your QUIT Date. Every day between now and Friday cut back by 5 cigarettes. I.e. Monday (20 cigarettes), Tuesday (15 cigarettes), Wednesday (10 cigarettes), Thursday (5 cigarettes), Friday/ QUIT Day (ZERO Cigarettes)
* Tip- Only leave the allotted cigarettes for each day in your pack. If not you may be tempted to smoke what is in the box
Postponing: Set a Quit Date. You will now postpone the first cigarette a day by 2 hours until your personal quit date. For example: Monday (First Cigarette 8 am), Tuesday (First Cigarette 10 am), Wednesday (First Cigarette 12), Thursday (First Cigarette 2 pm), Friday (First Cigarette 4 pm), Saturday (First Cigarette 6 pm), Sunday – QUIT Date
Some people are able to quit on their own, without the help of others or the use of medicines. But for many smokers, it can be hard to break the social and emotional ties to smoking while getting over nicotine withdrawal symptoms at the same time. Fortunately, there are a wide range of counseling services and medicines available.
1800 Quit Now
The Indiana Tobacco Quitline is a free phone-based counseling service that helps Indiana smokers quit. Services include:
• One on one coaching for Tobacco Users who have decided to quit
• Support for Family and Friends who want to help loved ones stop smoking
Services are available to you 7 days-a-week in more than 170 languages. A trained quit coach will work with you and provide solutions tailored to your needs.
For support information call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit http://www.in.gov/quitline
Support of family and friends
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 co-workers and your family doctor. Tell your friends about your plans to quit. Try to spend time with non-smokers and ex-smokers who support your efforts to quit. Talk with them about what you need — for instance, patience as you go through cravings, taking your late-night or early-morning phone calls, and plans for doing things in smoke-free settings. Find out what you can count on each friend or family member to do. See the section on "Letter to Family" This is an example of a letter you could give your family or friends.
Nicotine Replacement
Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) are medications that contain nicotine but not the other harmful components of cigarettes. Most NRT are available without a prescription. You can reduce withdrawal symptoms with NRT. This gives you a better chance of quitting and staying quit.
You may start using NRT as soon as you throw away that last cigarette. You do not need to wait a certain length of time to put on the patch or start using the gum, lozenge, nasal spray, or inhaler. You should always double-check this information with the instructions on your chosen method of nicotine replacement.
Most NRT products make their dosage recommendations based on how much you smoke. In general, a light smoker is someone who smokes less than 10 cigarettes per day. Someone who smokes a pack a day or more is thought of as a heavy smoker. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which dose is appropriate for you.
Prescription drugs
Prescription drugs are also available to help smokers quit. Some can be used along with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and some must be started before your planned Quit Day. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in using medicine to help you quit smoking. These are only available with a prescription.
If you are unsure as to which method or combination of quit method and Nicotine Replacement or Prescription Medication is right for you speak with your health care professional.