Daily News Quit-smoking basics

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Tobacco is a killer. People who smoke or use other forms of tobacco are more likely to develop disease and die earlier than are people who don’t use tobacco.

If you smoke, you may worry about what it’s doing to your health. You probably worry, too, about how hard it might be to stop smoking. Nicotine is highly addictive. To quit smoking — especially without help — can be difficult. In fact, most people don’t succeed the first time they try to quit. It may take more than one try. But you can stop smoking.

Take that first step: Decide to stop smoking. Set a quit date. And then take advantage of all the resources available to help you successfully quit smoking.

Care at Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center provides top-quality, evidence-based care for tobacco dependence — nonjudgmentally and supportively. Specialists work with you to develop a plan that gives you the best chance of success.

Visit Nicotine Dependence Center

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Nov. 15, 2022

  1. AskMayoExpert. Tobacco use (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
  2. Quitting smoking or smokeless tobacco. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking/quitting-smoking-or-smokeless-tobacco.html. Accessed March 22, 2022.
  3. Making a plan to quit and planning your quit day. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking/deciding-to-quit-smoking-and-making-a-plan.html. Accessed March 22, 2022.
  4. Staying tobacco-free after you quit. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking/staying-tobacco-free-after-you-quit-smoking.html. Accessed March 22, 2022.
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