Viva Vitality: You can quit smoking with the right planning, tools, support

By Medicine Hat News on October 5, 2018.

You have been thinking about it for months, maybe even years, and now you have made the decision. You are going to quit smoking. You are going to give it a really good try this time and make it a top priority. Still you can’t help but wonder “Can I really do it?” “Will I be successful?” “Where do I start?”

Quitting smoking may not be easy, but with the right planning, tools and support it can be done. Think of quitting smoking as a series of small challenges, tiny steps and little changes. These small changes will lead to big transformations.

It is common to have doubts about making any change in your life. It’s so important to sort out those doubts and to develop a plan to deal with them in a positive way. Joining a group program is a great way to learn new tips and strategies to deal with stress, cravings, and triggers. Group participants share experiences and ideas while supporting and encouraging each other through the quitting process. You might assume that the benefit of a support group program is in the receiving, but giving support is also a beneficial activity.

When considering what types of tools may be helpful, research shows that counselling and nicotine replacement therapies can significantly improve your chances of quitting successfully. There is a variety of nicotine replacement therapies to choose from — gum, lozenges, inhalers and patch. If you are considering this approach, talk to your health-care professional and they will help choose the best one for you.

QuitCore is a FREE group support program that provides Albertans (18+)with the tools and skills they need to quit using tobacco for good. The program consists of six 90-minute sessions over a period of six weeks. Why not join a group? Make new friends, share your stories and celebrate milestones together. Through QuitCore you will learn about your nicotine addiction/habit and how to design a quit plan that works best for you.

For information about upcoming QuitCore groups in your area, please call me at 403-502-8224. Also visit albertaquits.ca/quitting/support for more support and helpful tips.

Groups are offered regularly and the next program starts in Redcliff on Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. and in Medicine Hat on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m.

There is no fee but you must pre-register by calling1-866-710-QUIT (7848)