Learn how to make this your day 1 for quitting tobacco

Quitting tobacco starts with a single decision: choosing your Day 1 for taking action. Make it World No Tobacco Day on May 31. VA is ready to help, whether your first step is building a plan for quitting tobacco, exploring treatment options or contacting VA for support. 

The nicotine in tobacco is addictive, so you may feel that tobacco has a hold on you that can’t be broken. But don’t give up. Of all VHA-enrolled Veterans with a history of smoking, 78% have successfully quit. You can, too, even if it takes some persistence.

“As long as you’re actively trying to stop, you’re going to accomplish something,” said Douglas Ferrier, a Veteran of the Navy and the Army National Guard. Ferrier tried many VA tools before eventually finding the combination that unlocked his ability to quit for good.

Medications help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Counseling helps you build practical skills to change your tobacco use behaviors. In combination, medication and counseling are a powerhouse that has been shown to be the most effective option for quitting. With all the resources VA makes available, Veterans can access the tools they need to quit at minimal cost.

Even if tobacco use is part of your daily routine or you’ve tried quitting before, you have the power to reclaim your life from tobacco. VA will help you trade tobacco use for new routines that will benefit your physical and mental health. And VA’s health care providers will guide you in creating a personalized plan to stop, using the lessons you learned from your previous attempts.

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Source: VA News
Website: news.va.gov