Dr. Jill's Quit Tips

Medications can help

• Most experts recommend that EVERYONE trying to quit smoking should use medications to help them.
• There are 5 types of nicotine medications and 2 non-nicotine medications called bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix).
• Nicotine patch, nicotine gum and nicotine lozenge are available in stores without a doctor’s prescription.
• Nicotine inhaler, nicotine nasal spray, bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) are available with a doctor’s prescription only and are covered by Medicaid in New Jersey.

People who use medications to quit smoking:

• Are twice as likely to be successful in quitting smoking than people who do not use medication.
• Gain less weight when they quit smoking than people who do not use medication.
• Have less unpleasant nicotine withdrawal symptoms and less craving for nicotine.

Setting a Quit Date

• Although most smokers think about quitting someday, it can be helpful to set an exact day to try to stop smoking. This is called the “Quit Date”.
• The Quit Date can be any day of the month but sometimes people like to choose a special day (birthday, anniversary) that has meaning for them.
• It can be helpful to choose a Quit Date a few weeks from now, to give yourself some time to prepare.
• Making preparations to quit smoking can help you to be more successful.

Here are some ways you can prepare for your Quit Date:

• Do not buy large amounts of cigarettes or other tobacco products, like cartons of cigarettes, for example.
• Buy cigarettes one pack at a time so you can run out of cigarettes on your Quit Date.
• Throw away ashtrays, lighters and other things that remind you of smoking.
• Remove ashes from your home or car. Smelling cigarettes or ashes can make you want to smoke.
• Tell someone you are thinking about stopping smoking. This can be a roommate, friend or significant other. Let them know when your Quit Date will be so they can help you.
• Call someone to get help. Ask your psychiatrist, nurse or mental health counselor if they can assist you.