The U.S. Surgeon General has stated, “Smoking cessation represents the most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives.”
If you have tried to quit smoking, you know how hard it can be, because nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Over time, the body becomes physically and psychologically dependent on nicotine. Studies have shown that smokers must overcome both of these to be successful at quitting and staying quit.
Quitting is hard. Usually people make two or three tries, or more, before finally being able to quit. Each time you try to quit, you learn about what helps and what hinders your success. Quitting takes hard work and a lot of effort, but you can quit smoking.
For decades the Surgeon General has reported the health risks associated with smoking. Regardless of your age or smoking history, there are advantages to quitting smoking. Benefits apply whether you are healthy or you already have smoking-related diseases.
