Tobacco Free Florida is Encouraging Those Who Relapsed to Try Again
Many people make New Year’s resolutions to accomplish personal goals, but some resolutions do not always go according to plan. In fact, by the second week of February, about four out of five resolutions fail.
Quitting smoking is no different. For many smokers, it can take several attempts to quit for good.
The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida program wants you to know that slipups and relapses are common among people trying to quit smoking.
A slip is one or two cigarettes after you quit. A relapse means going back to smoking regularly. While most slips or relapses occur within the first three months after quitting, they can happen anytime.
“Each time you make a quit attempt, you learn more about what will work for you,” said Florida State Surgeon General, Scott A. Rivkees, M.D. “Keep trying, ask your healthcare provider for help and remember you can quit. In fact, today there are more former smokers in Florida than current smokers.”
Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program offers free Phone Quit, Group Quit and Web Quit services, in addition to individual tools like text support, a Quit Guide and helpful emails. Free nicotine replacement therapy – nicotine patches, gum or lozenges – are available to tobacco users who are 18 or older, if medically appropriate. “Quitting smoking is difficult and, for many, can require several attempts before quitting for good,” said Bureau Chief of Tobacco Free Florida, Laura Corbin.
“If you had a slip up or relapse, don’t get discouraged. Creating a quit plan and using proven-effective resources, like Tobacco Free Florida, can increase your chances of quitting smoking for good.”
For more information, please visit tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.