[By Erin Sinisgalli, director of Community Health Programs, St. Peter’s Health Partners.]
As noted in a recent Times Union article, a new AP/NORC poll found that nearly 60% of Americans will make at least one New Year’s resolution this year. Better health and weight loss were, as usual, perennial favorites. Sadly, many well-intended goals set in January fall by the wayside by February. It’s easy to consider them failures.
But in one notable case, science tells us otherwise. With tobacco dependence, the need for multiple quit attempts is far from unusual; it may even be the norm. Nicotine has been proven to be as addictive as cocaine and heroin.
Consider, for instance, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2022: 67% of adults who smoked cigarettes said they wanted to quit. Half reported trying to quit that year. But less than 10% succeeded.
So, if you or a loved one resolved to quit in January but have already picked up a pack, don’t despair. It’s never too late or too soon or too many attempts. Each attempt is not a failure; consider it practice.
There are proven treatments to help people quit smoking. Clinicians play a vital role by providing assistance and support, including nicotine replacement therapies (which help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms), quit-smoking medication, counseling, and referrals. Even a brief conversation of 5 minutes has been shown to significantly increase the chance of success.
What’s more, smokers usually have a much better chance of quitting with a support program. Locally, The Butt Stops Here, an award-winning smoking cessation program offered by St. Peter’s Health Partners, has helped thousands of people in the greater Capital Region achieve a smoke-free life.
The virtual program combines group support, education, coaching and supplies. Led by a trained facilitator, groups meet once a week for seven weeks. Best off all, the program is FREE. And starting this month, St. Peter’s Health Partners is offering cessation groups designed for people who use e-cigarettes/vape. For more information, visit SPHP.com/quitsmoking.
Additional support – including free nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum – is available from the NYS Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487).
Quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. Resolve to try again.
