Start your tobacco-free journey today

New Year, New You, New Start. Either way you are taking that leap to make a change for better health. One of those changes is quitting tobacco products. Quitting tobacco may be one of the most difficult resolutions to keep, but there are many tools, tips and people out there ready to help you quit tobacco once and for all. We know New Year's resolutions are not always the most successful, so keeping in mind this doesn't have to wait until the new year nor is it a once a year opportunity. Every day is a new day to quit tobacco.

Most tobacco users are aware of the reasons to quit and the toll tobacco has on the body. The benefits of quitting are many and the sooner you start the sooner the benefits are reaped.

Quitting tobacco is hard, thanks to the addictive power of nicotine. Studies show that the average smoker will fail to quit smoking an average of 30 times. So, preparing for setbacks and being realistic about failures that could help you in your plan to quit tobacco. Nicotine alters the brain structure over time - so while it is easy to become addicted to tobacco, it will take time to recover from tobacco addiction. Your quitting plan will need to include both short- and long-term goals. You may fail the first or tenth time you try to quit tobacco products. Just remember that, statistically speaking, multiple failures are a routine part of the quitting process.

To start your quitting journey, make a game plan!

• Get rid of all nicotine products and anything that might remind you of smoking.

• Know your triggers: what situations, people, and places make you want to use tobacco products? Does drinking alcohol or coffee increase your urge to use tobacco?

• Your quit plan may include telling others you are quitting so they can support your efforts.

• Find strategies to manage cravings as they arise - you may find that taking a walk, brushing your teeth, or working on a hobby can take your mind off the craving.

• Develop a healthier lifestyle – maybe you have wanted to run a half marathon or take up cross country skiing. Now is the time!

• Social support – surround yourself with people who will support your efforts to quit and that you can talk to, including someone you know that has quit, their experience and understanding can help.

Talk to your health care provider about medications and counseling options for cessation. The Montana Quit Line, 1-800-784-8669, is free for all Montanans which includes a personalized plan to quit, counseling sessions, nicotine replacement therapy, and reduced cost cessation medications. Living in the digital age, there are numerous apps and digital tools to also support you in quitting. Research shows that smoking cessation programs that give guidance and provide support throughout the quitting process can double a person's chance of quitting. Let's start 2020 off with bidding farewell to tobacco! Quitting is hard, but you've got this!