Congratulations, by coming to this page, you have taken the first step to feeling better and leading a healthier lifestyle.  This page contains information to assist you on this journey:

• START with a plan to successfully stop smoking for good.
• Understand and identify Withdrawal Symptoms.
• You are not alone in this journey.  Check out what aids and resources are available.
• Quit smoking for better health! Talk to your primary care physician today for the treatment options that will work best for you.  If you don’t have a primary care physician, make an appointment with an Adena physician who can help make this decision as easy as possible.

START With a Plan for Success

The major reason to quit smoking is “to feel better” and to lead a healthier, active life.  The health benefits of becoming a non-smoker can be seen within 20 minutes after quitting. 

Smoking is a physical addiction as well as a psychological habit.  Quitting smoking is best tackled by treating the addiction and the habit.  Success is often achieved when you START with a plan developed by HelpGuide.org:

S = Set a quit date.

Mark your calendar with the day to quit smoking.

T = Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit.

Establish a support system of friends and family.  They can provide support and encouragement to help you reach your goal.

A = Anticipate and plan for the challenges you'll face while quitting.

The first 72 hours are the most difficult.  Prepare for withdrawal symptoms and cravings beforehand.  A craving lasts six minutes – consider taking a walk or doing other activities to fight through it. 

R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work.

Throw it all away!  Don’t sabotage your plans by keeping cigarettes around just in case.  Habits change after one month – use this time to plan how you will spend the money you will be saving when you quit smoking.

T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.

With a phone call, your primary care physician can help you be successful with your goal to quit smoking.

Learn more about the START plan and get additional tips at  HELPGUIDE.org.

Weathering Withdrawal

Once you make the decision to stop smoking, understanding that withdrawal symptoms are common will help along the way.  Common withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Urge to smoke
• Depressed mood or sadness
• Insomnia, restlessness
• Anxiety, irritability, frustration, anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased appetite
• Decreased heart rate
• Headache, mouth ulcers, nausea

Get tips on how to handle withdrawal from the National Institutes of Health’s website, BeTobaccoFree.gov.

Adena Can Help 

The Adena Quit Clinic helps patients take the appropriate interventions based on their willingness to quit. The Adena Quit Clinic is a 12 week, in-person (or via online) clinic, designed to help people quit smoking.

If you or a friend or family member want to quit smoking, talk to your Primary Care Provider for a referral or call  740-779-8745. 

Other Resources

1-800 – QUIT NOW (784-8669)

American Cancer Society Quit for Life program

Ohio Tobacco Quit Line

Legacy EX program

Quit dip and chewing tobacco

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services SmokeFree