DOTHAN: Anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows it is not always as simple as putting down a cigarette and walking away. For many people, quitting tobacco or nicotine can be a frustrating, emotional and sometimes exhausting experience.
You may promise yourself that today is the day you quit, only to find yourself reaching for a cigarette hours later. You may make it through a day or even a week, feel proud of your progress, and then give in to a craving. When that happens, disappointment can quickly turn into frustration.
Nicotine is addictive, and the cravings can be powerful. Irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating can make everyday life feel harder than usual. Little things may suddenly get on your nerves. You may feel restless, short-tempered or overwhelmed. For some, a cigarette has become part of nearly every routine, from the morning cup of coffee to the drive home after work.
And when you try to quit and start smoking again, it can feel like you have let yourself down. You may wonder why something you know is bad for your health can be so hard to walk away from.
But starting again does not mean you have failed. Quitting often takes more than one attempt, and every attempt can teach you something about your triggers, your cravings and the kind of support that may help you succeed.
The effort is worth it. Quitting smoking can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and cancer. Your body begins making positive changes after you stop smoking, and those benefits continue to grow over time. It can also mean more money in your pocket and more healthy years to enjoy with the people you love.
For people who are ready to try to quit again, or who simply want to learn about their options, a free community event is coming to Dothan.
The Quit Tobacco and Nicotine: Free Resources for All event will be held Monday, October 19, at 11 a.m. at the PEIR facility, 1930 Wise Drive in Dothan.
The event is hosted by Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Dothan Tobacco and Nicotine Prevention Coalition.
Those attending can learn about free help for quitting tobacco and nicotine, support available through the Alabama Quitline, and tools and educational resources that may make the process easier.
The event is open to everyone, and all resources are free.
Quitting may take determination, patience and several attempts, but you do not have to figure it out alone. If you have tried before and struggled, do not let frustration keep you from trying again. Taking that next step could be one of the best things you do for your health.
DOTHAN: Anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows it is not always as simple as putting down a cigarette and walking away. For many people, quitting tobacco or nicotine can be a frustrating, emotional and sometimes exhausting experience.
You may promise yourself that today is the day you quit, only to find yourself reaching for a cigarette hours later. You may make it through a day or even a week, feel proud of your progress, and then give in to a craving. When that happens, disappointment can quickly turn into frustration.
Nicotine is addictive, and the cravings can be powerful. Irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating can make everyday life feel harder than usual. Little things may suddenly get on your nerves. You may feel restless, short-tempered or overwhelmed. For some, a cigarette has become part of nearly every routine, from the morning cup of coffee to the drive home after work.
And when you try to quit and start smoking again, it can feel like you have let yourself down. You may wonder why something you know is bad for your health can be so hard to walk away from.
But starting again does not mean you have failed. Quitting often takes more than one attempt, and every attempt can teach you something about your triggers, your cravings and the kind of support that may help you succeed.
The effort is worth it. Quitting smoking can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and cancer. Your body begins making positive changes after you stop smoking, and those benefits continue to grow over time. It can also mean more money in your pocket and more healthy years to enjoy with the people you love.
For people who are ready to try to quit again, or who simply want to learn about their options, a free community event is coming to Dothan.
The Quit Tobacco and Nicotine: Free Resources for All event will be held Monday, October 19, at 11 a.m. at the PEIR facility, 1930 Wise Drive in Dothan.
The event is hosted by Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Dothan Tobacco and Nicotine Prevention Coalition.
Those attending can learn about free help for quitting tobacco and nicotine, support available through the Alabama Quitline, and tools and educational resources that may make the process easier.
The event is open to everyone, and all resources are free.
Quitting may take determination, patience and several attempts, but you do not have to figure it out alone. If you have tried before and struggled, do not let frustration keep you from trying again. Taking that next step could be one of the best things you do for your health.
