Quitting smoking or vaping is challenging. According to the New York State Smokers’ Quitline (Quitline), Amit C., pictured, age 53, first tried cigarettes at age 12 because her older friends smoked. Before she knew it, she was hooked. Throughout her life, Amit tried on many occasions to become tobacco-free. However, she had trouble succeeding.

 

“I was a single mom and was stressed out financially,” Amit said. “It felt like everyone around me smoked. Recently, my uncle, who was a long-time smoker, passed away in his early 60s due to surgery complications. This really shook me. I want to be around many more years for my children.”

 

According to the New York State Smokers’ Quitline, Amit contacted the Quitline and received free nicotine patches and nicotine lozenges in the mail to help overcome her physical cravings. Suggestions from trained specialists and a mailed tip sheet helped her navigate behavioral changes, she said. Subsequent follow-up calls from specialists helped her stay on track to not only become tobacco-free but also to maintain her improved health.

 

“There are still occasional cravings in the back of my mind whenever someone who smokes passes by,” Amit said, “but they get easier and easier to navigate. Surroundings are so important. I think it’s easier to stay quit in today’s world, because it seemed like people used to smoke on every corner. My son and my co-workers are especially proud of me.”

 

For those seeking to follow in Amit’s footsteps, she recommends following a mantra whenever there are urges to smoke, such as saying, “I don’t need this.” In Amit’s personal experience, activities such as gaming and oral substitutes such as lollipops and sunflower seeds kept her mind focused.

 

Amit has tremendous pride in her accomplishment and said it’s freeing and rewarding to be a non-smoker. In 2023, she plans to take further steps toward improved wellness through increased exercise and a healthier diet.

 

According to Quitline, people like Amit from all across New York State achieve lasting success every day with the proper support. The Quitline celebrates those who pursue and maintain tobacco-free living and encourages those who smoke or vape to make a quit-attempt in 2023.

 

Whether it’s for the first time or trying again, the Quitline is reminding all New York State residents that personalized support from trained tobacco treatment specialists and free resources are available seven days a week by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), texting QUITNOW to 333888 or by visiting nysmokefree.com.

 

Most New York State adults are eligible to receive a free starter supply of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications via mail, typically in the form of nicotine patches and often with supplemental nicotine gum or nicotine lozenges. When used appropriately and in combination, NRT medications can double or triple the odds of becoming and staying tobacco-free.

 

For those who prefer support via text, the Quitline reminds all New York State residents to try the new Learn2QuitNY six-week comprehensive program by enrolling at nysmokefree.com or texting QUITNOW to 333888. The Quitline also recommends all tobacco and vape product users to visit the CDC’s “Resolve to Be Smokefree in ‘23” website, complete with tips, resources, links and app recommendations.

 

“Smoking is the worst addiction I can possibly imagine and yet, cigarettes remain legal to purchase,” Amit said. “For anyone trying to become tobacco-free, don’t be mad at yourself if you don’t succeed the first time. You’re not a bad person for smoking or for slipping up. Just keep trying.”

 

The Quitline wishes everyone a happy, healthy and tobacco-free 2023.