Quitting Tobacco:
Why It’s Hard and How We Can Help
We can do hard things. Quitting tobacco, included.
Nicotine is one of the five most addictive substances in the world.
This powerful chemical doesn’t just affect your body—it radically changes your brain chemistry, making it incredibly difficult to break free. Your good intentions, hard work, and promises to yourself are a great start, but they’re often not enough to make quitting stick.
The truth is, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of mortality in the United States and worldwide. Individuals who quit smoking not only lower their risk of developing and dying from tobacco-related diseases but also gain up to an estimated ten additional years of life expectancy. TEN!
Start Your Journey Here
Click the “Get Started” button and complete the form. Someone from our team will contact you to complete the visit.
Treatment Options to Help You Quit
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
We recommend using a combination of two NRT products for maximum effectiveness. These can be purchased over the counter and include:
- Nicotine patches that are worn daily to deliver a steady level of nicotine and
- A short-acting form like nicotine gum or lozenges to control cravings during the day.
Bupropion (brand names: Zyban, Wellbutrin)
- A prescription antidepressant medication that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, shipped directly to your home.
- Taken once daily for three days, then increased to twice daily starting two weeks before the quit date.
- You continue taking the medication for at least three months after your quit date to ensure long-term success.
- Generally well tolerated, but can cause dry mouth and difficulty sleeping.
- Should not be used if you have a seizure disorder or bipolar diagnosis
Varenicline (Brand name: Chantix)
- Taken once daily for three days, then increased to twice daily for four days, started a week before quitting.
- Typical starting dose is 12 weeks.
- May cause drowsiness.
- How to Use Varenicline
Behavioral Counseling
- Expert counseling to help you identify triggers, develop strategies to manage cravings, and build a support system to stay smoke-free.
Close Follow-Up and Ongoing Support
- Regular monitoring of your response to treatment and adjustments to your plan and medications as needed.
- We reinforce positive behavior changes to encourage continued progress.
- We support to help you maintain abstinence by:
- Assessing your confidence in sustaining a smoke-free life.
- Identifying and addressing any challenges you encounter.
- Anticipating upcoming obstacles and creating strategies to overcome them.
Start Your Journey Here
Click the “Get Started” button and complete the form. Someone from our team will contact you to complete the visit.
The Benefits of Quitting
The decision to quit smoking is deeply personal, and the benefits are life-changing:
Save Money
Cut the financial burden of buying tobacco products.
Freedom from Addiction
Set a Positive Example
Inspire your children and loved ones by modeling healthy choices.
Live Longer
Improve your chances of seeing your children or grandchildren grow up and sharing in their milestones.
Improved Heart Health
Your heart rate and blood pressure drop within 20 minutes of quitting. Your risk of heart attack drops sharply after 2 years, and your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s after 1 year.
Improved lung health
Your lung function increases within 2–12 weeks, and your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker’s after 10 years.
Reduced risk of cancer
Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases after 10 years.
Reduced risk of stroke
Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker after 5 years.
Improved circulation
Your circulation improves within 2–12 weeks.
Reduced coughing and shortness of breath
Coughing and shortness of breath decrease within 1–9 months.
Improved sense of smell and taste
our sense of smell and taste starts to improve after 48 hours.
Increased energy levels
Your energy levels increase after 72 hours.
Improved mental health
You may experience reduced anxiety, depression, and stress after the withdrawal stage of quitting.
Brighter skin and whiter teeth
Your skin will be brighter and your teeth will no longer be stained with tar.
Start Your Journey Here
Click the “Get Started” button and complete the form. Someone from our team will contact you to complete the visit.
Helpful Resources
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore these trusted resources for additional support:- 1-800-QUIT-NOW: Free guidance from a quit coach.
- www.smokefree.gov – Tools, tips, and programs to help you quit.
- map.naquitline.org – Local quitline services for personalized help.
- How to Quit Smoking (CDC)
Cost of Program
Monthly membership fee plus cost of medication.
Medication | Cost per tablet | Cost per month | Shipping |
---|---|---|---|
Bupropion 150 mg | $0.45 | $27.00 | $15.00 |
Varenicline | *prescribed to your pharmacy of choice | n/a | n/a |
Start Your Journey Here
Click the “Get Started” button and complete the form. Someone from our team will contact you to complete the visit.