Quitting Smoking (Tobacco)
Quitting Smoking (Tobacco)
Quitting tobacco smoking is the best thing you can do to improve your health.
Smoking can have many negative effects on your health and overall well-being. There is strong medical evidence that smoking tobacco is related to more than two dozen diseases and conditions. It has negative effects on nearly every organ of the body and reduces overall health. Some of the health problems that can result from smoking tobacco include: different types of cancer (including, but not limited to lung, mouth, throat, leukemia, pancreas and cervix); respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (Health Canada, 2011).
Did you know that the average number of quit attempts is nine? Do not give up. You can quit!
Quitting can be difficult but support is available. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical contained in tobacco and many people need repeated attempts at quitting before they stop smoking altogether. The good news is that people learn from each quit attempt.
Research tells us that you are most likely to quit for good if you use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or nicotine cessation medication along with supportive counselling. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health-care provider. You could also call the Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-363-5864. There are a variety of supports available to choose from, so find one that works best for you.
Services related to this information:
Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline – 1-800-363-5864
NL 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555