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Why do I Smoke?
Cigarettes – designed to addict

Have you smoked for years?

Tried to quit once, twice, or more times than you can remember? You’re not alone. Quitting smoking is hard to do. Here’s why –

Each puff...

from a single cigarette delivers nicotine to your lungs, where it’s quickly absorbed.

False feelings

Within seconds, nicotine travels to the brain – where it triggers a temporary improvement in your mood.

Temporary relief

This feeling doesn’t last long; you’ll want more nicotine in just 20 minutes!

Stress

The longer you go without, the stronger the urge and the more stressful it seems.

The cycle continues – addiction

A puff on a cigarette delivers nicotine to your brain, and you feel better again.


That relaxing feeling from smoking is relief from nicotine withdrawal.



You can quit

Whether it's your first or tenth time quitting. That's ok. Remember, it's normal. You can do this. Learn more by visiting the pages below or call a Quit Coach for help.
Last updated 3/3/2021 9:00 AM
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Questions

Need help or have questions?
Contact us

Not insured?

Check out the New York State of Health:
nystateofhealth.ny.gov

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News, program updates, and support to quit:


Hours of operation
Mon-Thurs 9AM-9PM, Fri-Sun 9AM-5PM. Chat and text support may vary from the hours above based on request volume and coach availability. For immediate support, please call during operational hours.
People who identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Speech Impaired
Please call the NY Relay Service at 7-1-1 (Voice or TTY), and provide the operator with the Quitline number 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).
Accessibility
If you have questions or concerns about the accessibility of any part of this website, please contact us at support@nysmokefree.com.


Developed by Roswell Park Cessation Services for the NYS Smokers' Quitline. Located in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14203. *NYS Quitline logo cannot be reproduced without permission. Privacy.




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