Why do you want to quit? Your reason is important. It will keep you going, even if things get hard. Quitting is possible; think about why you want to be tobacco-free and remind yourself of these reasons when you need some extra motivation.
Scroll down to see why others used Missouri Tobacco Quit Services through the years. If you're ready to start your quit journey, click “How to Quit.”
Hear from a former people who smoked about what motivated them to quit.
QUIT TOBACCO
START HEALING.
When you stop smoking, you will go through nicotine withdrawal. Your healthcare provider can recommend over-the-counter medicine to treat this physical craving. Remember that nicotine craving is a medical problem, and that's why your healthcare provider needs to be consulted for medication to treat the withdrawal symptoms. While nicotine is addictive, it is the tar, carbon monoxide, and the other 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes that cause the most damage to your health. You may not quit on the first try. Most people need a few practice runs to quit for good. Be patient, but persistent.
-
In 20 Minutes
Heart rate and pulse return to normal levels.
-
12 Hours
Carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal.
-
2 Weeks to 3 Months
Your heart disease risk begins to drop and your lung capacity begins to improve.
-
1 to 9 Months
Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
-
1 Year
Your risk of heart attack is reduced by 50% and your lungs are better able to fight off infection.
-
5 Years
Heart disease risk returns to the levels of a person who doesn't smoke.
Long-Term Rewards
Quitting can add years to your life. People who use tobacco & quit before age 40 reduce their chance of dying early from smoking-related diseases by about 90 percent. Those who quit by age 45–54 reduce their chance of dying early by about two-thirds.
Quitting is one of the best things you can do for you and your family.
Set a Good Example
You are a role model for your kids. If you quit smoking they will be less likely to start
Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant and you quit smoking or vaping you increase the chance of a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby. Risks go down for early labor, miscarriage, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Quitting lowers the risk of learning problems and lung issues in childhood.
Keep Others Safe
Contact with secondhand smoke can be harmful. When you quit smoking, your kids will be healthier. They will have a lower risk of things like colds, ear infections, asthma attacks, bronchitis and pneumonia.
