With the new year comes a new push to help thousands of Kentucky smokers kick the tobacco habit once and for all. Many have already decided to stop smoking but need help. Former smokers admit quitting is not easy, but credit their success to the many tools already available for helping smokers succeed.
Irene Centers, program manager for Tobacco Prevention and Cessation in Kentucky, says one common problem is that smokers don't always know where to get help.
"First of all, nicotine is a very addictive drug and usually people make several quit attempts before they are successful."
More than 8,000 Kentuckians die of illnesses caused by tobacco use each year, says Centers. She says smoking is not only a health concern, but a financial concern for the state, and Kentucky's approach is to save lives and money by offering comprehensive tobacco cessation treatments.
"There are a lot of proven cessation treatments and medications, such as group counseling and phone counseling, which can double your chances of success."
The Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT NOW, offers one-on-one counseling for tobacco users. Other resources are available to smokers who are serious about making the change, she adds.
"A lot of the local health departments and even employers often offer nicotine replacement therapy, either free or at a reduced cost, which is an excellent resource."
Quitting smoking is the single best thing a smoker can do to improve his or her health, according to the experts.
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