Smoking Overview

Smoking is linked to serious health problems because it harms almost every organ in the body. It is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, different cancers, cardiovascular disease, chronic coughing, diabetes, death, etc. It also increases the risk of tuberculosis and diseases of the immune system.

Secondhand smoke also causes the above diseases and death in adults, reproductive problems in pregnant people and can trigger asthma, or cause SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and other health problems in children.

Don’t give up – Quitting is a journey

Learn from what did not work for you and apply those lessons to your next attempt to quit. The path is different for everyone and can be different with each attempt.

Get Help

Smoking cessation is not easy, but it is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and it can be done at any age. There are treatments, counselling and resources available to help with smoking cessation.

• Talk to your doctor, or nurse so that they can guide you and provide you with the resources you need.
• Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to speak with a trained coach who can help create a plan for you, can help you connect with quit smoking medicines (discussed below), or give you helpful tips and resources to help you quit. See examples of how a coach can help you here.
• Text QUITNOW to 333888 (message or data rates apply)
• For more information about quitting visit CDC.gov/quit.
• Get tools and tips from smokefree.gov.
• Download the quitSTART App here.

Smoking Cessation Medication

1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy: These replace some of the nicotine from cigarettes and help to reduce withdrawal symptoms. They are available as:

• Nicotine Patches
• Nicotine Lozenges
• Nicotine Gums
• Nicotine Oral Inhaler
• Nicotine nasal spray

2. Varenicline tablets: This works in the brain to reduce nicotine cravings and some withdrawal symptoms.

3. Bupropion SR tablets: This works by decreasing cravings and some withdrawal symptoms.

These treatments are generally used for 3 months to aid smoking cessation and are used in addition to counselling and other useful resources but the duration may vary from person to person.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable but not harmful. They become less intense with time. Some common symptoms are:

• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Having the urge to smoke
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hungry
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Difficulty sleeping

Helpful ways to manage withdrawal symptoms

• Use available medication to help quit smoking, as directed by your health care provider. These medicines help with the cravings and urges.
• Do some physical activity. This is helpful when you are restless or irritable.
• Connect with people, especially friends that do not smoke
• Cutting down on caffeinated drinks helps with difficulty sleeping and restlessness.
• Do some meditation and refocus your thoughts on why you are quitting smoking. This is helpful when you feel grouchy or irritated.
• If you have difficulty sleeping, reduce or avoid taking caffeine after noon, stop using your cell phone or other devices at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. Keep a regular bedtime schedule. See more recommendations here.
• If you feel anxious or depressed, call your health care provider immediately.
• If you have hunger cravings:
  1. Drink more water
  2. Take sugar-free gum
  3. Exercise regularly
  4. Eat more fruits and vegetables
  5. Reduce high calorie beverages
  

If your symptoms are unmanageable, it is important to contact your health care provider.

Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list and is for information only. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need personal treatment options or have any questions that affect you directly.

To get this guide as a PDF click here.