RALEIGH – Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in North Carolina but millions still light up. Everyday, diseases caused by cigarette smoking kill 33 North Carolinians. It's not that smokers aren't trying to quit, it just takes time to kick the habit for good. Health experts say a combination of quitting methods is the key.
More than half of all smokers in North Carolina will quit smoking this year. But chances are it won't last more than a day. Even with the threat of disease and death, any smoker will tell you, it's not that easy. Just ask Jayne Poplin.
“Mainly because of stress and habits that we develop, and you know it's really hard for you to break habits,” said Poplin.
Along with the addiction, the fear of gaining weight kept her from quitting. State health experts say both are big reasons why it takes smokers five to seven times to stop for good. Others feel the impact by more than just second-hand smoke. Smoking-related illness leads to higher costs for everyone.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in North Carolina but millions still light up.
“Huge economic toll in this state and nationwide for tobacco use,” said Jana Johnson, Medical Director for NC Tobacco Prevention & Control. “We spend about $1.9 billion per year taking care of folks who have tobacco-related illnesses."
Prescription and over-the-counter nicotine replacement products have been proven to double quit rates. But Johnson says the newest trend is a combination of things. Using nicotine patches or gum, making an action plan that includes a quit date and getting support from family or a health care provider can all help turn back time.
“We know that if you quit smoking for one year, your risk of developing heart disease is half that of what it was when you were smoking,” Johnson continued. “And if you can maintain your abstinence of tobacco for 15 years, if you quit smoking for 15 years, your risk of having heart disease from tobacco is essentially like that of a non-smoker."
Poplin is already on her way. Last October, she finally quit. “We had a program through Blue Cross Blue Shield [to] stop smoking, and I took advantage of that,” Poplin said.
Hypnosis and relaxation CD's helped curve her cravings. To avoid putting on pounds, Poplin started Weight Watchers. And now instead of puffs, she takes sips.
Poplin added, “I've noticed that things taste better and you know when the weather changed, it was like ‘the air is so crisp.’"
Her family welcomes the fresh change.
The state has a new toll-free help line for smokers who need support while trying to quit. That number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Many counties in the state also provide local support. Visit QuitNowNC.org for more information.