Why to Quit
We know it is tough to quit smoking. Nicotine is a very addictive drug, and it takes most people several attempts to eventually kick the habit. Surgery may be the motivation you need to finally quit because your outcome may depend on whether or not you smoke before and after the procedure. Besides the surgical benefits, quitting also:
- Adds six to eight years to your life
- Reduces your lung cancer and heart disease risk
- Saves you an average of $1,400 each year
- Reduces others’ exposure to smoke
How to Quit
There are a multitude of resources for smokers who want to quit. Your anesthesiologist, surgeon or primary care physician will have some suggestions. Here are others:
-
ASA’s Quit Smoking Guide, download pdf
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW, a confidential free service that offers a “quit coach” who works with you to develop a personalized plan and provide information and resources. Medications may be available at no charge.
There are several additional resources available to smokers who want to quit. Find the most helpful to you or use a variety of these to stop smoking for good.
Smokefree.gov - provides free, accurate, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking.
American Lung Association - The American Lung Association highlights the value of good lung health for patients. As part of this work, the organization offers extensive stop smoking resources including: The Freedom From Smoking® program for adults, the Not-On-Tobacco® program for teens, tips for parents and the new Quitter in You program supports even those who have made multiple attempts to quit.
Office of the Surgeon General - offers tools for patients and providers including the latest clinical treatment information and support to help patients stop smoking.
Become an Ex - “helps smokers re-learn their life without cigarettes.” The program shows patients how to manage the issues that can get in the way of quitting.