QUIT NOW

BARRIERS TO QUITTING Nicotine is a potent psychoactive drug that causes physical dependence and tolerance. In the absence of nicotine, a smoker develops cravings for cigarettes and symptoms of the nicotine withdrawal syndrome #1 BARRIER  NICOTINE ADDICTIVENESS

Nicotine withdrawal symtoms Dysphoric or depressed mood Insomnia Irritability, frustration, or anger Anxiety Difficulty concentrating Restlessness Decreased heart rate Increased appetite or weight gain

morning coffee, an alcoholic drink the end of a meal. BARRIERS TO QUITTING Environmental Triggers These events become triggers to smoke and contribute to the difficulty smokers have in remaining abstinent from nicotinenicotine

Approaches to Quitting Behavioral Approaches Pharmacological Approaches

Behavioral Approaches In person counseling Telephone counseling (1 800 QUIT NOW) Computer programs (iPHONE Apps)

Behavioral Approaches Clinician counseling Incentives (financial incentives on saving money) Hypnosis and acupuncture

Pharmacological Approaches Medication prescribed from your Doctor Nicotine replacement therapy (relieves nicotine withdrawal symptoms as pt breaks behaviour –Short acting rapid response: Spray gum lozenge inhaler –Long acting, slow onset: “The Patch”

Websites/Resources — The web site for the American Lung Association, sponsor of the American Smoke-out Day, includes an online guide for smoking cessationwww.lungusa.org — The National Cancer Institute web site contains information on smoking cessation in English and Spanish, as well as general information on the health effects of tobaccowww.cancer.gov/cancertopics/tobacco — An excellent, comprehensive resource for patientswww.quitnet.com — A good source for patient pamphlets on smoking cessationwww.ahrq.gov/consumer/index.html#smoking