Getting Ready - Time to stop and think
You may feel that you're ready to quit smoking today,
You've probably been smoking for many years.
Give yourself the best chance to quit — plan your quit and do it once and for all!
Preparing Your Quit Plan
Upsetting your smoking habits by changing some daily routines will help you beat smoking. When you combine this with a stop smoking medication your chances of success double!
Here are some common habit breaking tips and a list of stop smoking medications you can use.
Habit breaking
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Try changing the brand of cigarettes that you currently smoke before you quit. Smoke brand that you would never smoke.
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Try cutting out a few of your cigarettes before you quit.
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Delaying a minute or two and the urge will pass.
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Get busy. Do something. This really helps!
Get Stop smoking medications to help with cravings
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
These medicines can help reduce cravings once you quit. For NRT patches, gum and lozenge there is no prescription necessary. NRT Inhaler and Spray are available with a prescription.
- Chantix®
Chantix® is a new non-nicotine containing medication that is available by prescription only.
Check with you doctor about whether Chantix® is right for you.
- Zyban®
Zyban® is a non-nicotine containing medication that is available by prescription only.
Check with your doctor about whether Zyban® is right for you.
For more information about stop smoking medications, see Stop Smoking Medications
Setting Your Quit Date
Pick a quit date and write it on your calendar.
Remember, there is no "perfect" time to quit, but it's wise to avoid a time of high stress.
Give yourself 1 to 3 weeks to get ready. This allows time to:
- Get used to the idea of quitting.
- Line up family and friends for support.
- Practice habit breaking.
- Purchase NRT or speak with your doctor about Chantix® or Zyban®.
You can do it!