Never a Better Time to Quit

"Quitting smoking is easy," said Mark Twain. "I've done it a thousand times."

Anyone who's ever tried to kick the habit knows just what Twain meant. Most people try and fail at least once before they quit smoking for good. But with the right plan and lots of support, any smoker can become a healthier, happier ex-smoker.
 

Why quit?

There are many good reasons. Get started now by focusing on these 3. If you're helping a friend quit, share these facts to provide extra motivation.

More years in your life.
Health problems related to smoking shorten the lives of male smokers by an average of 13 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control. For women, the figure is 14 years. Think of the gift you're giving yourself and your loved ones by leaving the habit behind.

More life in your years.
Your heart rate and blood pressure will drop within 20 minutes of quitting. Your circulation and lung function will improve within 2 to 3 weeks. Over the next 9 months you'll cough less and feel "winded" less often. You'll feel stronger every day as your overall health improves.

More money in your pocket.
How much cash are you burning up by lighting up? Use our cigarette calculator to find out. Consider all the ways you can spend or invest these dollars when you stop smoking.
 

Get started with our quiz

Why is breaking the habit so hard? In a word, nicotine. This substance, present in all cigarettes, produces many of the pleasant effects smokers enjoy. It's also what causes the cravings, jitters and irritability people experience when they try to stop.

What will it take to face the challenges of quitting? This brief smoker's quiz offers useful answers. The quiz reveals the resources an individual smoker will need to craft an effective quit plan.
 

Quitting in groups: a great strategy

Support from caring people makes a real difference. In fact, studies show that smokers often quit successfully in groups. If you're helping someone you care about with this challenge, you're both on the right track. You may enjoy even greater success if you add more "quit buddies" to your group! View our tips for helping each other quit.
 

Join us for the Great American Smokeout

On the third Thursday of November the American Cancer Society encourages smokers to put down their cigarettes for one day during the Great American Smokeout. You and your friends can join millions of others who want to live healthier lives by reducing their risks for cancer, heart disease and more by taking part in this annual event.

For more on quitting successfully, view the full menu of the resources we offer to help you leave cigarettes behind for good.