Some people are able to quit on their own, without the help of others or the use of medicines. But for many tobacco users, it can be hard to break the social and emotional ties to chewing or dipping while getting over nicotine withdrawal symptoms at the same time. The good thing is, there are many sources of support out there.
Telephone-based help programs
As of 2009, all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer some type of free telephone-based program that links callers with trained counselors. These specialists help plan a quit method that fits each person’s own pattern of tobacco use. Help from a counselor can keep quitters from making many common mistakes that may make it harder to quit.
Many people find that telephone counseling is easier to use than some other support programs. You don’t have to leave home or get child care, and you can do it on nights and weekends.
Counselors often suggest a combination of methods including local classes, self-help brochures, medicines, and/or a network of family and friends. One review of studies about smokeless tobacco use found that telephone counseling helped people who were trying to quit.
Quit-tobacco programs and support groups
Members of support groups and classes for quitters can help, too
Some workplaces, hospitals, and wellness centers have programs, groups, or classes to help people quit tobacco. They may be led by professionals and focus on information and education, or they may be run by volunteers. Some programs may be set up like classes, while others focus on sharing by members of the group.
For people who cannot go to classes or support group meetings, there are online support systems as well as phone-based support (discussed above).
Check with your employer, health insurance company, or local hospital to find support groups that fit your needs. Or call us at 1-800-227-2345.
What to look for in a tobacco cessation program
Tobacco cessation or quit programs are set up to help users recognize and cope with problems that come up during quitting. This helps the ex-tobacco user to avoid common pitfalls of quitting. The programs should also provide support and encouragement in staying quit. Many programs focus mainly on smokers, but most are open to smokeless tobacco users, too.
Studies have shown that the best programs will include either one-on-one or group counseling. There is a strong link between how often and how long counseling lasts (its intensity) and the success rate. Overall, the more intense the program the greater the chance of success.
Intensity may be increased by having more or longer sessions or by increasing the number of weeks over which the sessions are given. So when looking for a program, try to find one that has the following:
- Each session lasts at least 15 to 30 minutes
- There are at least 4 sessions
- The program lasts at least 2 weeks – longer is usually better
Make sure the leader of the group has training in tobacco cessation.
Some communities have a Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) group that holds regular meetings. This group applies the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to tobacco addiction. This includes attending meetings and following the program. People new to NicA select a sponsor to help them through the steps and help when they are tempted to use tobacco. These meetings are free, though donations are collected to cover expenses. NicA also offers online support, Web and phone meetings.
Often your local American Cancer Society or local health department will sponsor quitting classes, too. Call us for more information.
Not all programs are honest in what they advertise. There are also some programs to watch out for. Think twice about any that:
- Promise instant, easy success with no effort on your part
- Use shots (injections) or pills, especially with “secret” ingredients
- Advertise 100% success rate with no ill effects
- Charge a very high fee – check with the Better Business Bureau if you have doubts
- Will not give you references and phone numbers of people who have used the program
A word about quitting success rates
Before you sign up for a tobacco cessation class or program, you may wonder about its success rate. Success rates are hard to figure out for many reasons. First, not all programs define success in the same way. Does success mean that a person is not using tobacco at the end of the program? After 3 months? 5 months? 1 year? If a program you’re considering claims a certain success rate, ask for more details on how success is defined and what kind of follow-up is done to confirm the rate.
The truth is that a good program to help you quit tobacco may give you more of an edge up than trying to quit on your own. But like other programs that treat addictions, they often have fairly low success rates. This does not mean they are not worthwhile, or that you should be discouraged. Your own success in quitting and staying quit is what really counts, and you have some control over that. Even if you don’t succeed the first few times, keep trying. You can learn from your mistakes so that you will be ready for those pitfalls the next time.
Support of family and friends
Many former tobacco users say a support network of family and friends was very important during their quit attempt. Other people who may offer support and encouragement are co-workers, your family doctor, or dentist.
Don’t neglect this vital part of quitting. Surround yourself with other people who don’t use tobacco, and tell them about your plans to quit. Warn them that you might not be your usual self for a few days, and ask them to listen and encourage you when you need it. Talk with them about what you need – for instance, patience as you go through cravings, taking your late-night or early-morning phone calls, and plans for doing things where it’s harder to use tobacco. Suggest ways they can help, like going for a walk with you, helping you stay busy, and reminding you that you can do this. If they’ve quit, ask them how they did it and get some tips. Find out what you can count on each friend or family member to do.
If you have close friends who still use tobacco, ask them not to offer any to you. You’re not asking them to quit themselves, but you may not want to spend a lot of time with those who still use tobacco for the first few weeks after you quit. You may find it hard to be with them without being tempted. But if your plan happens to inspire someone to quit with you, you can help and support each other.
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