Want to Stop Smoking for New Year’s? Free Assistance Available

Most Utahns who smoke cigarettes would like to quit in the near future. With New Year’s Day just around the corner, why not make 2016 the year to quit? The Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD) suggests taking advantage of WaytoQuit.org, a free resource that has proven effective for many former tobacco users.

 

For Utah resident Lydia Woltjen, quitting became important when she began seeing her young daughter imitate her smoking habit. “I ‘tried’ all the time,” Woltjen says, “but then I became really committed to quitting for my daughter.”  She found the support she needed through WaytoQuit.org. “I logged on and became involved in the discussion to quit. I would read the blogs to stay strong and positive”

Tobacco users are more likely to quit for good when they use evidence-based cessation counseling programs and/or quit medications. “It’s encouraging to know that people quit tobacco every day,” explains Kye Nordfelt, SWUPHD Director of Health Promotion. “Those who succeed most often do so with the help of family and friends, combined with a solid cessation program like Way to Quit.”  

Woltjen quit four-and-a-half years ago, and is still doing well. “There are so many positives about quitting smoking that I can't number them,” she says.  “I would tell anybody trying to quit that it is the hardest thing that I have done, but the positives outweigh the withdrawals that came with quitting.”

To start your quit plan or for more information, visit WaytoQuit.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). Way to Quit offers free phone counseling, expert online coaching, a support community, interactive lessons and exercises, motivational e-mails, and other services to help tobacco users quit. Participants age 18 or older may be eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches or gum. Each participant’s program is customized to meet the individual’s readiness to quit. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week (except on major holidays), and are offered in many different languages including Spanish at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (335-3569).

“Don't get discouraged if you don't succeed the first time,” says Nordfelt. “Studies show that most tobacco users take seven or more attempts to successfully quit. We invite you to make an attempt in 2016.”

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