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You Have the Power to Quit Tobacco in 2012

  • Published
  • 79th Medical Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Once the holidays have come and gone, it's time to reflect on you and where you want to be in the coming year. If you've tried to quit tobacco before or have been contemplating quitting for a while, now is the time to do so. A decision like this is not for your mother, not for your spouse, and not for your significant other. This is the time is for you!
Everyone has the power to quit tobacco. But, it takes motivation from within and a solid plan with proven strategies to succeed.

Motivation is a powerful engine that can ignite a drive to succeed. Motivation comes from your desire to achieve a goal and the belief that you are capable of doing it. The greater your desire and believe, the more motivated you become. Once you can tap into your power of motivation, your drive to quit will become unstoppable.

Kick start your motivation by setting a goal, and then get excited about that goal. Write down your goals and commit to them publicly. Look for inspiration from others who have achieved the goal of quitting tobacco. Use visualization to see how you can overcome obstacles and achieve a positive outcome. Then take concrete actions. Create your own quit plan to map out a strategy for success.

Additionally, if you are a TRICARE® beneficiary who is not eligible for Medicare, you can call a help line, 24/7, and speak with a trained tobacco quit coach. Your coach can help you create a customized quit plan and refer you to a provider to help you carry out the plan. The Quitline is available 365 days a year in three TRICARE regions:
North: 866-459-8766 (Wisconsin to Maine to North Carolina)
South: 877-414-9949 (Texas to South Carolina)
West: 866-244-6870 (everywhere else)

Other tips to keep you on track with your quitting tobacco goals include staying preoccupied. Games are a great way to pass the time when you crave that cigarette or chew due to nicotine withdrawal. Remember, most cravings last only 3 to 6 minutes, and these fun games will help keep you distracted to pass the time. Staying connected also helps. Studies show that talking with others who are fighting to quit tobacco just like you are has been proven to help. Statistically, people who quit with friends are 36 percent more likely to remain tobacco-free.

Don't forget to reward yourself either. Use an online savings calculator to see how much money you're spending to feed your tobacco addiction. If you smoke a pack a day, and pay $5 for a pack, you'll see that you're spending $150 a month. That's money you could spend on a special treat for yourself.

Make this the year that you successfully quit tobacco for you! Get motivated and make a plan. You can do it. For more information, call the Andrews Health and Wellness Center at 240-857-HAWC (4292) or 5601.