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Quitting Smoking

Overview

Why quit smoking?

When you quit smoking, you'll start to feel real benefits over time. Within a few hours, your blood pressure will go down and you'll have more energy. In about a month, you'll breathe deeper and cough less. Over the years, your risk for heart disease, stroke, and cancer will go way down.

Is it ever too late to quit?

No, it's never too late. No matter when you quit, your health will improve.

People who quit smoking reduce their risks for cancer, lung diseases, heart attacks, strokes, and blood vessel diseases. They get sick less often and heal faster.

Quitting has other benefits.

  • Your taste and your sense of smell may improve.
  • Your clothes and hair won't smell of smoke.
  • Your shortness of breath and your energy will likely get better after you quit.

And you'll help others when you quit.

  • You'll reduce the health risks for your family members caused by second-hand smoke.
  • Your kids will be less likely to start smoking.
  • If you're pregnant, you'll help your baby get the oxygen needed for a healthy start.

How can you quit?

Having a plan and using medicines can help you quit. A quit plan helps you plan ahead. Before you quit, you identify the things that are likely to trigger tobacco use and plan how you'll manage them. You also think about what you need for support. Your doctor can suggest medicines to help.

Why is it so hard to quit?

Nicotine is addictive. Quitting is hard because your body depends on the nicotine in tobacco. It's also hard to quit because many things can trigger your desire to use tobacco, such as having a cup of coffee or finishing a meal. These routines can be very hard to give up.

Will you gain weight when you quit smoking?

Quitting tobacco may make you want to eat more or eat more often. That may lead to some weight gain after you quit. So in your plan to quit, be sure to include eating healthy foods and doing some physical activity. These things can help you manage your weight while you're quitting.

What if you start smoking again?

If you slip and use a little tobacco, don't give up. Talk to someone who has quit or to a counsellor. Ask them for ideas on what to do. A slip could turn into regular use (relapse), so it's important to do something different soon.

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Information about Quitting Smoking

Adaptation Date: 06/12/2024

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Ignite Healthwise, LLC (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Information about Quitting Smoking

Adaptation Date: 06/12/2024

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services