Show:
Health Risks of Smoking
Benefits of Quitting
Smoking Cessation Tools
Behavioral Techniques
Support & Resources
100

This substance in cigarettes is highly addictive and makes it difficult to quit.

nicotine

  • Explanation: Nicotine is the addictive chemical in cigarettes that keeps people smoking, even when they want to quit.
100

Within just 24 hours of quitting smoking, this major organ begins to repair itself.

the heart

  • Explanation: Just one day after quitting, your heart starts to recover by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks.
100

This common tool helps reduce nicotine cravings by providing low doses of nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking.

nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

  • Explanation: NRT, such as nicotine patches or gum, helps reduce withdrawal symptoms by giving your body a small dose of nicotine without the dangerous chemicals in cigarettes.

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100

Identifying and avoiding these can help you stay smoke-free by reducing the urge to smoke.

triggers

  • Explanation: Triggers are situations, feelings, or people that make you want to smoke. Identifying and avoiding them can help you quit for good.
100

This type of group, often attended by people in recovery from SUD, can also help with quitting smoking.

peer support groups

  • Explanation: Peer support groups, such as those for people in recovery, can provide encouragement and accountability as you work to quit smoking.
200

Smoking increases your risk of developing these two serious lung conditions.

  • lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
  • Explanation: Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and COPD, both of which can be deadly and greatly reduce quality of life.
200

This is one benefit you’ll notice soon after quitting that improves your ability to breathe and exercise. 

improved lung function

  • Explanation: After quitting smoking, your lungs begin to heal, making it easier to breathe and allowing you to be more physically active.
200

This medication helps reduce cravings by blocking nicotine’s effects on the brain.

varenicline (Chantix)

  • Explanation: Varenicline works by blocking the nicotine receptors in the brain, making smoking less pleasurable and reducing cravings.
200

This technique involves keeping your hands and mouth busy to avoid smoking.

using a stress ball (or chewing gum, drinking water)?

  • Explanation: Keeping your hands and mouth busy, such as by using a stress ball or chewing gum, can help reduce the urge to smoke.
200

True or False: You have to quit smoking on your own, without any help.

false, There are many resources and people who can help you quit smoking.

  • Explanation: You don’t have to quit smoking alone. Doctors, counselors, and support groups can all help you succeed.
300

People who smoke and have SUD are more likely to experience this outcome with their drug or alcohol addiction.

relapse

  • Explanation: Smoking can increase stress and cravings, which may lead to a higher risk of relapse for people with SUD.
300

Quitting smoking can decrease your risk of this by reducing your overall stress and anxiety.

relapse into substance use

  • Explanation: Quitting smoking can reduce stress and help prevent a relapse, as smoking is often linked to cravings for other substances.
300

This medication, also used for depression, helps reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

bupropion (Zyban)

  • Explanation: Bupropion is a non-nicotine medication that helps people quit smoking by reducing cravings and the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
300

This skill helps you deal with cravings by distracting yourself or doing something else instead of smoking.


using coping skills (or practicing mindfulness)

  • Explanation: Coping skills like deep breathing, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness help you manage cravings without smoking.
300

This type of program offers professional guidance and personalized plans to help you quit smoking.

a smoking cessation program

  • Explanation: Smoking cessation programs provide expert guidance, counseling, and personalized plans to help you quit for good.
400

Smoking weakens this body system, making you more prone to infections.

immune system

  • Explanation: Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including respiratory illnesses.
400

After quitting, your sense of these two things improves, enhancing your ability to enjoy food and your surroundings.

taste and smell

  • Explanation: Smoking dulls your senses, but quitting restores your ability to taste and smell more fully, making food and life more enjoyable.

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400

True or False: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can only be used for a few weeks.

false. NRT can be used as long as needed to help you quit smoking.

  • Explanation: NRT is safe to use for months or even longer if needed to help you manage nicotine cravings and stay smoke-free.
400

True or False: It’s easier to quit smoking if you quit all at once without any planning.

false. Planning ahead and setting a quit date increases your chances of success.

  • Explanation: It’s important to plan your quit attempt, including setting a quit date and preparing for cravings, to increase your chances of success.
400

These types of hotlines or apps provide free support and tips for people trying to quit smoking.

quitlines (or smoking cessation apps)

  • Explanation: Quitlines and smoking cessation apps give free support, advice, and encouragement to help people quit smoking.
500

This disease, often caused by smoking, occurs when blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, leading to heart attacks or strokes.

cardiovascular disease

  • Explanation: Smoking damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, both of which can be life-threatening.
500

Long-term quitters dramatically reduce their risk of this disease, which is the leading cause of death among smokers.

lung cancer

  • Explanation: People who quit smoking reduce their risk of lung cancer, which is one of the most common and deadly diseases caused by smoking.
500

Name two forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) available to help people quit smoking.

nicotine patches and nicotine gum (or lozenges, inhalers, nasal spray)?

  • Explanation: Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal spray are all forms of NRT that help reduce cravings by delivering nicotine without smoking.
500

Name one healthy activity you can do to replace smoking when you feel stressed or anxious.

exercising (or deep breathing, meditating)

  • Explanation: Replacing smoking with healthy activities like exercise, deep breathing, or meditation can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
500

 This type of comprehensive support program combines counseling, medications, and ongoing follow-up to help people quit smoking and stay smoke-free long-term.

integrated smoking cessation program (or a multi-component cessation program)