Smoking Cessation Resources

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. So why are people still smoking? In part, because the nicotine in cigarettes is addictive. When you smoke, cigarettes deliver a rapid dose of nicotine to your brain. Over time, your brain adjusts to the regular influx of this addictive chemical, and you feel like you need it to function normally. This can make it extremely difficult to stop smoking.

Download our guide for tips on quitting and staying tobacco free.

What Happens When You Quit Smoking?

Reduced risk of premature death and disease make the benefits of quitting smoking worth the short-term struggle. Nicotine withdrawal is a real and difficult part of quitting smoking but also temporary. If you’ve tried to quit before and failed, know that it is common to quit smoking several times before quitting permanently. 

After quitting, your circulation and lung function improve, giving you more energy. In addition, you significantly lower your chance of:

• Diabetes
• Heart attack
• Multiple cancers, including lung, mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), bladder, esophageal and kidney cancer
• Stroke

In addition, quitting smoking can:

• Add years to your life
• Enhance your appearance by stopping tobacco-related gum disease, tooth loss and premature wrinkles
• Improve the taste of food
• Return your sense of smell
• Save money

Luckily, more help to quit smoking is available than ever before. Smoking cessation aids and counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and strong social support can provide the tools you need to quit smoking and reclaim your health.

What Is Smoking Cessation?

Smoking cessation is the process of stopping smoking, so a smoking cessation program is a program to help you quit. The following is a list of local and national resources to help you get on the path to living a tobacco-free life.

South Carolina Tobacco Quitline

The South Carolina Tobacco Quitline offers free help in English and Spanish and includes custom smoking cessation counseling and 24/7 support, a variety of nicotine replacement therapies, web-based tools to track your progress, email and text reminders, and access to an online chat room so you can connect with others trying to quit.

To enroll, click the link above or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

National Resources

Additional information and resources in a variety of languages designed for adults, teens, women, veterans and people over 60 can be found at these trusted sites:

• American Cancer Society: Empowered to Quit is an email-based program to help you quit smoking. Set a quit day and make a plan. You will get encouragement and personalized tips along your quit journey. 
• American Heart Association
• American Lung Association
• CDC.gov/quit: The CDC also offers valuable information about nicotine replacement therapies, which are proven to assist people on their journey to quit smoking, as well as tips from former smokers.
• FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products
• Smokefree.gov: Offers a texting program, social media, smartphone apps, a quit plan and more. 
• YouCanQuit2: This quit-smoking support website is for military personnel and their families, sponsored by the Department of Defense.

Smartphone Apps

These apps are available to assist your personal smoking cessation program.

• QuitGuide is a free app that offers motivation and helps you understand your smoking patterns and track cravings.
• quitSTART uses the information you provide to offer resources and support to help you quit and stay on track.

There’s never been a better time to quit smoking. Access to free smoking cessation aids and programs, tools and tips, as well as a community of people who understand what you’re going through is at your fingertips. Find the support you need and start enjoying the benefits of quitting smoking now.