If you’re contemplating quitting or you’re ready to quit smoking, creating an individualized plan is step one. Here’s a list of items that’ll help set you up for success:
- Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss nicotine replacement therapy and review the side effects you may encounter throughout the quitting process.
- Most health insurance plans cover nicotine replacement therapies. Contact your healthcare insurance provider to find out what’s available at low or no cost to you. Your healthcare provider may have samples available in his or her office to get you started.
- Have a conversation with those closest to you (e.g., significant other, coworker, friend, family member, etc.) so they can support you and, more importantly, understand the changes you’re about to make and why.
- Avoid the stores where you regularly purchase tobacco. This may require you to change the daily routes you take in order to help break the habit.
- Set a quitting date.
- Start reducing the number of cigarettes or amount of chewing tobacco you use each day by eliminating your nicotine break during the time of day when you crave it least.
- Replace the time used for smoking with healthy and productive routines.
- Perform a deep cleaning to remove the scent of tobacco from your home, car, clothing and personal items.
- Find an incentive to work toward. Reward yourself with the financial savings typically spent on tobacco products.
Resources to Help You Quit
Riverview Health Freedom from Smoking Program
Freedom From Smoking is a free, six-week smoking cessation program developed by the American Lung Association. Instructors use a systematic approach to help class participants choose a healthy lifestyle and stop smoking. Learn more and register >>
Quit Now Indiana
The Indiana Tobacco Quitline is a free counseling service that helps Indiana smokers quit. Resources include one-on-one coaching via phone, web or text for tobacco users who’ve decided to quit. Support for family and friends who want to help loved ones stop smoking is also available and encouraged.
Services are available to you seven days a week in more than 170 languages. A trained coach will work with you and provide solutions tailored to your needs. For support information call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).
For more support, learn about the free six-week Freedom from Smoking program at Riverview Health.