If quitting smoking is on your New Year’s resolution list, the Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition has some tips for you. Randy Hayden says nicotine replacement products are among the most effective ways.
“And you get that through patches, through lozenges, through other medication and you can wean yourself off of that nicotine drug,” said Hayden.
Experts say nicotine is extremely addictive and causes strong withdrawal cravings but they don’t last forever.
“And recognize that those cravings only last for a very short time so if you stay busy and stay active they’ll pass,” said Hayden.
The Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says they saw an eight-percent increase in Quit-line calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products or vaping. The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now.
Experts say research shows that most smokers who are trying to quit have to make several attempts before they succeed, but Hayden says to keep at it. And he says quitting on a special day such as New Year’s Day can be effective.
“If for some reason you slip on New Year’s our strong suggestion is to pick another day,” said Hayden.
The Smoke-Free Louisiana Coalition has actively lobbied for workplace protections to keep workers from being exposed to secondhand smoke. Currently, more than 30 Louisiana municipalities have such protections.
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