The first step to quitting smoking, vaping and using tobacco is to understand the risks and health effects for you and your family.

• Within 1 year after quitting, your risk of heart disease goes down by half.
• Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the U.S. It’s linked to about one third of all deaths from heart disease and 90% of lung cancers.
• Smoking damages your circulatory system and increases your risk of multiple diseases.
• Cigarettes, e-cigarettes and tobacco products contain many toxic chemicals, as do their smoke, vapor and liquids.
• Tobacco use and nicotine addiction is a growing crisis for teens and young adults. You can be one of the millions of people who successfully quit every year.
• Vaping and secondhand smoke
• About half of U.S. children ages 3-11 are exposed to secondhand smoke and vapor.

Make a Plan to Quit

You’re more likely to quit tobacco for good if you prepare by creating a plan that fits your lifestyle.

• Set a quit date within the next 7 days.
• Choose a method: cold turkey or gradually.
• Decide if you need help from a health care provider, nicotine replacement or medicine.
• Prepare for your quit day by planning how to deal with cravings and urges.
• Quit on your quit day.

Tips for Success

• Deal with Urges: Whether physical or mental, learn your triggers and make a plan to address them. Avoid situations that make you want to smoke or use tobacco until you’re confident that you can handle them.
• Get Active: Physical activity can help you manage the stress and cravings when quitting. You’ll feel better, too.
• Handle Stress: Learn other healthy ways to manage the stress of quitting.
• Get Support: A buddy system or support program can help you with some of the common struggles of quitting. 1-800-QuitNow
• Stick with It: Quitting tobacco takes a lot of willpower. Reward yourself when you reach milestones and forgive yourself if you take a step backward. Get back on course as soon as possible to stay on track and kick the habit for good.

Information provided by the American Heart Association.