We know quitting isn’t easy. Many of us have tried and just can’t seem to stay tobacco-free. That’s normal. Through the years, the tobacco industry has added more and more chemicals to tobacco whose job is to keep us hooked. As a matter of fact, studies show that nicotine addiction is as hard to break as heroin or cocaine addiction.

But, quitting isn’t impossible and we know you can Call It Quits. More and more people are successfully kicking the habit everyday. That’s why we’re here – to support you so you can reach your goal of being free from tobacco.

Here are few tips that have helped ex-smokers who know just how hard it is to quit.

1. Get help! Less than 5% of people who try to quit without help succeed. Call It Quits is here to provide the help you need to get ready to quit and stay quit. Even if you’ve tried before and failed, Call It Quits can help. Just call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or click here to register for a call back from a Quit Coach.
   
   The Quitline is FREE service based right here in Hawaii. Our specially trained quit coaches understand the pressures local people are under and can give you the support you need to be successful.


If you enroll in Call It Quits, they will coach you through the process of quitting by giving you

• A quit-plan personalized just for you
• Confidential support
• The tools and skills you need to be successful
• Help in getting “nicotine replacement therapy” like the patch whether through your insurance company or free for the uninsured
• Quit Guides mailed directly to your home

 

2. Keep trying! Remember, even if you’ve tried to quit before and weren’t able to, it doesn’t mean you won’t be successful this time. Most people try to quit many times before they are truly tobacco-free. It’s a normal part of quitting successfully.
   
   
3. Think of all the reasons you want to quit – To be able to breathe freely again. To be here to play with your keiki or grandkids as they grow up. To smell all of beautiful scents of Hawaii’s flowers. To taste that ‘onolicious BBQ. To save all that money that’s simply burning up. To live longer.
   
   
4. Feeling uneasy or anxious when you make a big change in your life is normal. Quitting isn’t any different, so it’s understandable if you don’t feel quite like yourself as you quit.
   
   
5. Plan ahead for when those cravings come. Our Quit Coaches can help you plan what will work for you when the urge hits or others around you start to smoke.
   
   
6. Drink lots of water. In addition to being really good for you, drinking water helps keep your hands and mouth busy.
   
   
7. Find healthy substitutes to help keep your hands and mouth busy like carrots, raisins, apples and peppermints.
   
   
8. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you’re trying to quit and you may be a little grumpy or edgy. Ask for their understanding and support.
   
   
9. Do your best to stay away from alcohol and caffeine – many people find that they trigger the desire for a cigarette.
   
   
10. For most people, smoking is part of their routine. So changing your routine can help get rid of some of those triggers to smoke. Drinking tea instead of coffee and taking a walk instead of smoke break are just two simple changes that can help.
    
    
11. Clear the evidence of smoking away from those areas where you normally smoke. By cleaning your car’s interior, laundering your clothes and airing out your house, you can remove the smell of tobacco smoke from around you.
    
    
12. When you’re feeling really stressed or bored, try taking a walk around the block. Being physically active can not only pass the time away, but can help you get fresh air into your lungs.
    
    
13. Pamper yourself as you become tobacco-free. As you reach different milestones like being tobacco-free for one-week, treat yourself to a massage, a fine dinner or a shopping trip. You deserve it.