Everything you need to know about quitting smoking

Posted: 6/20/2016

Parkland's Smoking Cessation Clinic can help you quit smoking. Cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable death worldwide and smokers have an increased risk of having heart disease and cancer in the lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, stomach and cervix. So, if you don’t smoke or use tobacco products, don’t start!

One year after a smoker quits the habit, the risk of heart disease decreases to half that of a current smoker. After 5 to 15 years, the risk of stroke is the same as a person who never smoked.

Tobacco dependence

Tobacco dependence is a two-part problem - the physical addiction to nicotine and a habit. The clinic treats both aspects of dependence to help smokers quit successfully.

1. Physiological - use medication for cessation
2. Behavioral - make a plan by attending the behavior change program

Withdrawal effects

Quitting smoking often causes serious withdrawal symptoms. Most symptoms appear within the first one to two days, peak within the first week and then subside within two to four weeks.

1. Irritability/Frustration/Anger
2. Anxiety
3. Difficulty concentrating
4. Restlessness/impatience
5. Depressed Mood/Depression
6. Insomnia
7. Impaired performance
8. Increased appetite/weight gain
9. Cravings

Smoking Cessation medications (FDA Approved)

The Smoking Cessation Clinic can help you by using these safe and effective medications that lessen the cravings and pleasure of smoking.

• NRTs/nicotine Replacement Therapy: patch, gum, lozenges, mini-lozenges, inhalers, intranasal spray
• Varenicline(Chantix)
• Bupropion( Wellbutrin/Zyban)

Tips for quitting smoking

Many people who quit smoking face the same challenges. The following tips are only a few of the tips shared at the weekly support classes at Parkland's Smoking Cessation Clinic. For more information, make an appointment by calling 214.590.5691.

• Anticipate upcoming challenges, learn to predict your moods and develop a substitute plan for tobacco use.
• Change your normal routine, find new activities to keep your hand, mouth and mind busy.
• Do exercise-go for a walk or go to gym to perk you up and prevent you from over eating.
• Try relaxation exercise to calm you down and lessen your stress.
• Remind yourself on the decision to quit, and make a list of your reasons for not smoking.
• Ask support and tolerance from coworkers, friends and family members to help you with your plan to quit smoking

Other resources for quitting smoking

You can also use the following resources for more help:

1. Adult COPC Smoking Cessation Program: English and Spanish classes at seven parkland community health clinics offer group support, education on dealing with stress, nicotine addiction treatment and motivation for healthy lifestyles. For more information, call Juan Prieto at 214.266.1235
2. American Lung Association: 1.800.586.4872/ 1.800.LUNGUSA
3. American Cancer Society: 1.800.227.2345
4. American Heart Association: 1.800.242.8721
5. Nicotine Anonymous: 214.327.1633