Quit Smoking

Do It Your Way

The Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) is pleased to offer help to students who are interested in fighting tobacco addiction. We know that every student is different, so we offer a range of smoking cessation methods in addition to our devoted support and encouragement. The following are available options:

COOL TURKEY

A two-week program for those who want to quit without medication or other products.

NICOTINE REPLACEMENT

Nicotine replacement systems (such as patches, lozenges and gum) help reduce the physical craving for nicotine. Heavy smokers benefit the most. Nicotine replacement begins the day you quit smoking and is tapered off as you become confident living as a non-smoker. Supplies are available at no charge to students.  

ZYBAN/WELLBUTRIN OR CHANTIX

Begin these nicotine-free pills one to two weeks before you quit; they can help reduce your urge to smoke. Talk to the Student Health and Counseling Center providers about these prescription medications which may be covered by your health insurance plan.  Programs are also available that reimburse the cost of these medications if you do not have insurance.

Come in and talk with one of the SHCC providers. We want you to be successful in this important fight. It is one of the most important things you will ever do for your health.

Helpful links:

• American Cancer Society:  Guide to Quitting Smoking
• Quitnet - Quit All Together
• QuitSmokingSupport.com
• CDC:  Tobacco Information and Smoking Cessation Resources
• WhyQuit.com

The Health Benefits of Becoming a Non-Smoker

20 minutes after quitting

• Your heart rate and blood pressure drop

12 hours after quitting

• Carbon monoxide in blood drops to normal level
• Oxygen level in blood increases

24 hours after quitting

• Chance of heart attack decreases

72 hours after quitting

• Nicotine is completely out of your system
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

2 weeks to 3 months after quitting

• Circulation improves
• Exercise becomes easier
• Lung function increases up to 30%

1 to 9 months after quitting

• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
• Cilia in lungs regain normal function, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce risk of infection
• Overall increase in energy level

1 year after quitting

• Excess risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker

5 years after quitting

• Lung cancer risk decreases substantially
• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker

10 years after quitting

• Lung cancer risk drops to about half of that of a continuing smoker
• Other cancer risks decrease, such as those of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreas (there are 30 chemicals in tobacco that cause cancer)

Giving up cigarettes makes you victorious over a very powerful addiction and makes you feel like a winner!!

Do you have questions not covered here? Click on the image or this link to Ask the Doc.