Who Ya Gonna Call?

If you’re faced with a craving and are feeling very tempted to give in, call for help. Whether it’s a friend, family member or a hotline, having someone to call immediately when you need to be talked out of making a choice you may regret is critical.

You need encouragement, but your first line of support should be someone who won’t listen to your excuses. Choose wisely, though. You want someone who will give you a little tough love.

Quit lines are a great resource for anyone because of the trained counseling help available on the other end of the phone. Many studies have verified the usefulness of quit lines in helping smokers kick the habit. A 2002 study by the University of California at San Diego found that quitters who received telephone counseling had double the success rate of those who went solo. There are many national quit lines, including the following:

• American Legacy Foundation 1-800-QUIT-NOW
• National Cancer Institute 1-800-4-CANCER
• American Lung Association 1-800-LUNG-USA
• Free & Clear, Inc. 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE

Many states also have their own quit lines and smoking cessation programs. To find a local Quit Line in your state or province, click here.

Support groups can also help. Good places to find such groups may be through a local hospital or community health department or even online. Whatever the case, having someone to call will definitely increase your chances of success.