Quitting smoking
The only protection from the dangerous effects of cigarette smoke and vaping is to live a smoke-free and vape-free life.
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Benefits of quitting smoking
Benefits of quitting smoking
Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. It causes many diseases and affects the general health of smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Vaping is also linked to serious illnesses. Both products contain the addictive chemical nicotine and other cancer-causing chemicals. The only protection from the dangerous effects of cigarette smoke and vaping is to live a smoke-free and vape-free life. The rewards of quitting are almost immediate and well worth making the commitment.
Benefits now, benefits later
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States33. In Massachusetts alone, one person dies every hour due to smoking-related illnesses34. The good news is that the health benefits of quitting start almost immediately from the moment you put out your last cigarette.
| Immediate Benefits of Quitting | Long-term Benefits of Quitting |
|---|---|
| Decreased odor on clothes, hair and breath | Risk of lung cancer death is half that of a smoker's |
| Blood pressure and heart rate start to drop | Improved breathing |
| Increased blood oxygen levels | Fewer sick days |
| Decreased carbon monoxide levels | Decreased risk of ulcers, acid reflux, and gum disease |
| Sense of smell and taste begin to return to normal | Improved skin health |
| More money in your pocket | Risk of stroke and coronary heart disease is greater than that of nonsmoker's |
You are not alone
There are plenty of resources to help you achieve your goal. Whether you’re thinking about quitting, getting ready to quit, or in the midst of a quit attempt, here are some resources available to help support you.
- The Massachusetts Smoker’s Quitline is free, phone-based counseling available to all smokers. Up to 8 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum, and lozenges) is available to eligible residents who speak with a coach. The use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy can double or triple your chances of quitting for good.
- Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for immediate assistance. Counselors are standing by to help you break free today!
Incentives for menthol cigarette users
The Massachusetts Smoker's Quitline is offering a gift card incentive program to quit using menthol tobacco products.
- Residents will receive:
- $10 gift card after completing the first coaching call
- $15 gift card after the second coaching call
- $25 gift card after the third coaching call
- Those who enroll online must complete coaching calls over the phone to receive the gift card(s)
- This may be a limited time program depending on utility and available funds
- Up to 8 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy is available to eligible residents who speak with a coach
Patients should take advantage of the Helpline's full offerings. Offerings include 5 coaching calls, unlimited calls to the helpline, and online support.
To access the MA Smokers' Quitline, Massachusetts residents can:
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1800-784-8669)
Enroll online at makesmokinghistory.org/quit-now
Be referred to the Helpline by a healthcare, behavioral health, or social service provider at QUITWORKS.
Your healthcare provider can give you helpful information and medication to help your success in quitting. Don’t have a healthcare provider? The Mayor’s Health Line can find you one.
Smoking Cessation Services in Boston
There are several programs in Boston that offer convenient, low-cost tobacco treatment programs.
Related resoures
Related resourcesOther resources
- This is Quitting powered by truth® is a free and confidential texting program for young people who vape. Young people can text "VapeFreeMass" to 88709 to get started. In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Visit teen.smokefree.gov for tools and tips
- For more information, young people can visit mass.gov/vaping
- More information for parents/adults is available at GetOutraged.org
References
References1. Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS CPS) 2006-2007
2. Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Smoking Report for Boston, December 2010
3. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
4. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
5. U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center, "Residential Smoking Fires and Casualties," June 2005
6. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
7. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
8. Surgeon General’s Report, supra note 13. See also H. Bohanon, C. Callaway, D. Coultas, T. Houston, T Persily, J Samet, S. Schoen, and L. Spengler, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Position Statement on Environmental Tobacco Smoke, 2005; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, J. Repace, Respirable Particles and Carcinogens in the Air of Delaware Hospitality Venues Before and After a Smoking Ban, 46 J. Occ. Env. Med. 887, 2004
9. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
10. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
11. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
12. Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS CPS) 2006-2007
13. U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center, "Residential Smoking Fires and Casualties," June 2005
14. Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Smoking Report for Boston, December 2010
15. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
16. Surgeon General’s Report, supra note 13. See also H. Bohanon, C. Callaway, D. Coultas, T. Houston, T Persily, J Samet, S. Schoen, and L. Spengler, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Position Statement on Environmental Tobacco Smoke, 2005; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, J. Repace, Respirable Particles and Carcinogens in the Air of Delaware Hospitality Venues Before and After a Smoking Ban, 46 J. Occ. Env. Med. 887, 2004
17. Lives Saved by Smoke Free Workplace Law, Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, November 2008
18. P. Auinger, K. Deitrich, R. Hornung, B Lanphere, and K. Yolton, Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Cognitive Abilities Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 113(1) Env. Health Perspectives 98 (2004); Richard H. Carmona –U.S. Surgeon General, Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General (June 27, 2006); World Health Organization, Guidelines on Protection From Exposure to Tobacco Smoke; Secondhand Smoke: The Science
19. Surgeon General’s Report, supra note 13. See also H. Bohanon, C. Callaway, D. Coultas, T. Houston, T Persily, J Samet, S. Schoen, and L. Spengler, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Position Statement on Environmental Tobacco Smoke, 2005; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, J. Repace, Respirable Particles and Carcinogens in the Air of Delaware Hospitality Venues Before and After a Smoking Ban, 46 J. Occ. Env. Med. 887, 2004
20. American Nonsmokers Rights Foundation – How Many Smokefree Laws?
21. “What is third-hand smoke? Is it hazardous?: Researchers warn cigarette dangers may be even more far-reaching,” Coco Ballantyne, January 6, 2009; “A New Cigarette Hazard: ‘Third-Hand Smoke," RONI CARYN RABIN, January 2, 2009
22. Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS CPS) 2006-2007
23. U.S. Department of Justice
24. The 187th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
25. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
26. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
27. U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center, "Residential Smoking Fires and Casualties," June 2005
28. “What is third-hand smoke? Is it hazardous?: Researchers warn cigarette dangers may be even more far-reaching,” Coco Ballantyne, January 6, 2009; “A New Cigarette Hazard: ‘Third-Hand Smoke,’” RONI CARYN RABIN, January 2, 2009
29. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
30. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
31. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
32. Market Demand for Smoke-Free Rules in Multi-Unit Residential Properties, April 2009, Massachusetts Smoke-Free Housing Project, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Northeastern University School of Law
33. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tobacco Use: Targeting the Nation’s Leading Killer
34. Carpenter, CM, Keithly, L, and West, J. Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Morbidity, and Economic Costs (SAMMEC) Massachusetts 2001. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Oct 1, 2004, p. 3
35. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking Attributable Disease.: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2010. ; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Smoke-free Homes and Cars Program, “Health Effects of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke,” Oct 2010
36. Yolton, K et al. (2008). Environmental tobacco smoke exposure and child behaviors [Abstract]. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 29(6): 450-7
37. Yolton, K et al. (2010). Associations between secondhand smoke exposure and sleep patterns in children [Abstract]. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 125(2): e261-8
38. Yolton, K et al. (2005). Tobacco Smoke Exposure & Cognitive Abilities In Adolescents Environ Health Perspect. 2005 January; 113(1): 98–103
39. Holzman, D. et al. ETS and Learning: Children’s Exposure Linked to Cognitive Effects Environ Health Perspect. 2005 January; 113(1): A50–A51
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