Before you light up that next cigarette—stop! If you smoke, quit. It’s one of the most important things you’ll ever do for your health and your family’s health. If you’re pregnant, this is even more important for you and your growing baby. Then again, you already knew that, didn’t you? That smoking is deadly isn’t exactly news any more. Yet millions of American women have quit many times, only to take up the habit again. Information alone isn’t enough to help people quit. That’s because nicotine is a very addictive drug—for some people it’s as addictive as heroin or cocaine.


If you quit, you’ll live longer and better. You’ll cut your chances of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer. If you’re pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby. The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier once they’re no longer exposed to the carcinogens in second-hand smoke.


The biggest mistake people make when quitting is trying to do it alone. Research shows that smokers are more likely to quit when they talk to others about it.

Use your healthcare provider for support as well. There are seven FDA-approved drugs specifically designed to help you break the nicotine addiction and quit smoking. Talk to your provider to find out which one is right for you. Most people try several times before they finally quit.

Finally, if you break down and have one cigarette, don’t despair. A slip is a mistake, not a failure. Get back on track as soon as possible and call a friend or go to a support group for extra help. No one is saying it’s easy—but you can do it!


Get ready. Set a quit date—by that date get rid of all of your cigarettes and ashtrays, and don’t let people smoke in your home.

Get support. Ask your friends and family to help by not smoking around you. Also, ask them not to leave cigarettes laying about for you to see. Tell your healthcare provider you’re quitting and ask about medications and other therapies that are helping people get off nicotine. There’s also a great national “quitline” you can call any time with questions, or just for someone to talk to when you’re feeling like you’re going to light up and smoke again: 800-QUIT-NOW.

Get medication and use it correctly. Nicotine gums, patches and other approved therapies double your chances of quitting for good. Talk to your healthcare provider about using these medications correctly.

Learn new skills and behaviors. Change your routine and replace “smoke times” with regular exercise, a telephone call to a family member or friend or another activity to reframe your old habit. Work on reducing stress in your life and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Get ready for a relapse. Most relapses occur within the first 3 months after quitting. Don't be discouraged if you start smoking again. As Drs. Roizen and Oz often say, “make a YOU-turn” at the next possible moment and get back on track with quitting. You’re at greatest danger for relapse when you’re around other smokers, drinking alcohol or in a bad mood.