BLOOMINGTON – Quitting tobacco starts with deciding you want to stop. The next step is planning ahead to increase your chances of tobacco cessation success.
“Quit plans are beneficial for people working toward kicking their tobacco habit,” said IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Kristen Terry. “One important part of the plan is preparing for how to handle your triggers.”
Triggers include stressful situations, morning coffee, socializing, and smelling cigarette smoke. If it makes you want to smoke, you need to have a plan for how to deal with them.
“Distractions are very helpful when you find yourself craving that nicotine fix,” says Terry. “Some options include keeping gum or sugar-free candy on you, taking a walk, using a ‘worry stone,’ or trying breathing exercises.”
Social triggers can be especially difficult, so avoiding places where others smoke is important. If your friends smoke, tell them you’re trying to quit and ask them to not smoke around you.
“Having a good support system and a set plan for triggers increase your odds of conquering your nicotine habit,” says Terry. “And remember that there are resources, tools, and groups to help you succeed.”
Visit smokefree.gov for more information on how to deal with things that might make you want to
go back to your tobacco habit.
Get free assistance from the Indiana Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800.QUIT-NOW or visit QuitNowIndiana.com for more information.
For more on local tobacco prevention and control efforts, visit the Tobacco Free Coalition of Monroe County on Facebook.
