Benefits of Quitting

There are many ways smokers quit, including using nicotine replacement products (gum and patches) or FDA-approved, non-nicotine cessation medications. Some people do not experience any withdrawal symptoms. For most people, symptoms only last a few days to a couple of weeks.^a Take quitting one day at a time, even one minute at a time—whatever you need to succeed.

4. Get help if you want it. Smokers can receive free resources and assistance to help them quit by calling the 1-800-QUIT-NOW quitline (1-800-784-8669) or by visiting CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers^®. Your health care providers are also a good source for help and support.

Concerned about weight gain? It’s a common concern, but not everyone gains weight when they stop smoking.^b Learn ways to help you control your weight as you quit smoking.

5. Remember this good news! More than half of all adult smokers have quit, and you can, too.^c Millions of people have learned to face life without a cigarette. Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to protect your health and the health of your family.

Government Resources

• Tips From Former Smokers^®
  This CDC campaign Web site lets you view the ads, learn more about the people featured and their health conditions, and access quit-smoking resources.
• 1-800-QUIT-NOW
  A free, phone-based service with educational materials, coaches, a quit plan, and referrals to local resources to help you quit tobacco use.
• 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569)
  A free, phone-based service to help Spanish speaking persons quit tobacco use. .
• BeTobaccoFree.gov
  This HHS Web site provides one-stop access to tobacco-related information, including information on quitting tobacco use, from its various agencies.
• smokefree.gov
  A Web site that provides free, accurate information and assistance to help you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.
• smokefree.gov (en Español)
  A Spanish-language Web site that provides free, accurate information and assistance to help you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.
• SmokefreeWomen
  A Web site that provides free, accurate information and assistance to help women quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.
• SfT (Smokefree Teen)
  A Web site that provides free, accurate information and assistance to help teens quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.
• SmokefreeTXT
  A mobile service that provides encouragement, advice, and tips to help young adults quit smoking.
• Smokefree Smartphone Apps
  Smokefree smartphone applications that help you track your quit smoking progress, receive motivational reminders, and more.
• Quit Tobacco—Make Everyone Proud
  A DoD-sponsored Web site for military personnel and their families.
• Help for Smokers and Other Tobacco Users
  An easy-to-read guide to quitting tobacco use.
• Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update—Overview
  Consumer materials to help tobacco users become tobacco-free.
• FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products
  Identifies FDA-approved products that can help you quit smoking.
• Harms of Smoking and Benefits of Quitting
  A fact sheet from the National Cancer Institute that summarizes the harmful effects of smoking and short- and long-term benefits of quitting.

Other Resources

• American Cancer Society
  Guide to quitting smoking.
• American Heart Association
  Information and support to help you quit smoking.
• American Lung Association
  Resources to help smokers figure out their reasons for quitting and then take the big step of quitting for good.

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A Report of the Surgeon General: How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: What It Means to You. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2010 [accessed 2013 June 5].
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: What It Means to You. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004 [accessed 2013 June 5].
3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General: Secondhand Smoke: What It Means To You. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2006 [accessed 2013 June 5].
4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General: Highlights: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Secondhand Smoke. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2006 [accessed 2013 June 5].