Why should I quit smoking?
If you smoke, the decision to quit smoking is the most important step you can take to protect your lungs and overall health. It is never too late to quit. If you quit you will:
- prolong your life
- decrease your risk of disease (including lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, and other conditions)
- reduce your risk of respiratory and anesthesia complications after an operation
- decrease the chance that your children will become sick (respiratory infections are more common among children exposed to secondhand smoke)
- feel healthier (after quitting, you won’t cough as much, have as many sore throats, and will have an increased energy level)
- improve your sense of taste and smell
- improve your looks (smoking can cause face wrinkles, stained teeth, and dull skin)
- save money
What’s the best way to quit smoking?
There is no best way to quit smoking because everyone has different smoking patterns. What works best for one person may have little impact on someone else. For this reason, the best smoking cessation programs offer several proven methods, not just one.
Ever Wonder What Happens to Your Body the Moment You Stop Smoking?
20 MINUTES
- Blood pressure drops to normal.
- Pulse rate drops to normal.
8 HOURS
- Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.
- Oxygen level in blood increases to normal.
24 HOURS
- Chance of heart attack decreases.
48 HOURS
- Nerve endings start regrowing.
- Ability to smell and taste is enhanced.
2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS
- Circulation improves.
- Walking becomes easier.
- Lung function increases up to 30%.
1 TO 9 MONTHS
- Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease.
- Cilia regrow in lungs; clean the lungs, and reduce infection.
- Body's overall energy increases.
1 YEAR
- Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.
5 YEARS
- Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half.
- Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.
- Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker's.
10 YEARS
- Lung cancer death rate similar to that of nonsmokers.
- Precancerous cells are replaced.
- Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.
15 YEARS
- Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.
| Ever Wonder What You Gain The Moment You Stop Smoking?1 |
| 1- Data from the CDC and Cancer Prevention Study II by the American Cancer Society |
| Quit under 35 |
Smokers who quit at younger ages realized greater life extensions |
| Quit by 35 |
Men: 6.9 to 8.5 years |
Women: 6.1 to 7.7 years |
| Quit by 45 |
Men: 5.6 to 7.1 years |
Women: 5.6 to 7.2 years |
| Quit by 55 |
Men: 3.4 to 4.8 years |
Women: 4.2 to 5.6 years |
| Quit by 65 |
Men: 1.4 to 2.0 years |
Women: 2.7 to 3.7 years |
Tobacco Treatment Center
Whether you smoke, chew or dip, the Tobacco Treatment Center offers the one-on-one support and resources that you need to quit.
Most of us know that tobacco use is bad for our health, but quitting can be a challenge. After all, it’s a permanent lifestyle change and you have become addicted to the nicotine found in tobacco. However, a combination of behavioral therapy and medication has been proven to dramatically increase the chance of success.
The Cleveland Clinic Tobacco Treatment Center is based on the latest scientific knowledge. We can help you understand all the treatment options available and create a customized plan to help you quit successfully.
How does it work?
- You’ll start by meeting with a certified smoking cessation specialist. You’ll learn about addiction to nicotine, how ready you are to quit, and discuss your preferred method of learning.
- Your specialist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan for you. This may include tobacco treatment medication such as Chantix, Zyban and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), behavioral therapy, such as reading material, web-based programs and individual or group counseling, or non-traditional approaches such as acupuncture or hypnosis.
- The specialist will stay in touch with you to check on your progress, find out how treatment is working for you -- and celebrate your successes.
Where are the clinics located?
Clinics are located on the Cleveland Clinic main campus along with the Cleveland Clinic Family Health Centers, including Westlake, Independence, Willoughby Hills, Lyndhurst and Strongsville.
What will it cost?
If you have the Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan, the cost of the program and medication is covered.
To learn more about the Tobacco Treatment Center, call 216.444.8111.
