Quitting takes hard work, but you can do it! The plan below can help.
Get Ready
1. List your reasons for quitting.
2. Connect with the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line for free:
- Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
- Click here
3. Stop buying tobacco.
4. Set a quit date.
Consider Medication
Ask your doctor if quit-smoking medication is right for you. If so, buy either over-the-counter nicotine patches, lozenges or gum—or get a prescription from your doctor for the nicotine inhaler, patch, nasal spray, or one of the non-nicotine pills: Bupropion SR 150 (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix). Note: Start taking bupropion SR 150 one to two weeks prior to quitting. Begin varenicline a week prior to quitting.
Change Your Routine
Trash your tobacco products. When you crave tobacco, try drinking water, meditating, or walking instead. Avoid alcohol and coffee—these can trigger urges to smoke. Pay attention to when and why you smoke or chew. Need something to do with your hands? Try holding a pen or smooth rock instead of reaching for tobacco.
Plan for More Money!
Make a list of the things you will do with the money you used to spend on tobacco.
Quit Day
Keep very busy. Change your routine when possible, and do things that don’t remind you of smoking/chewing. Remind family, friends, and coworkers that this is your quit day, and ask them to support you. Avoid alcohol. When you have a craving, drink water or walk. Call the Quit Line for ongoing support at 800-QUIT-NOW. You can do it!
Day After: Celebrate!
Congratulate yourself. Do something to treat yourself that isn’t related to smoking. Avoid alcohol. When cravings hit, do something not connected to smoking/chewing/vaping. Take a walk, drink water, chew gum or breathe deeply. Connect with the Quit Line for support.
- Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
- Click here
