Tobacco addiction is not a character flaw. Nicotine is a highly-addictive drug. The good news is your tobacco addiction can be successfully treated.

Remember

• Many people need to make many (4-8 or more) quit attempts before they stop using tobacco.
• A combination of medication, information and support from classes or quitlines has been proven to increase your chance of making a successful quit attempt.

If you are ready to quit

• Ask your family doctor for advice and information on medications that can help.
• Get all the information and support you need. (see back for help)
• Give it some time. Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal may last 1-2 weeks then will fade. Some give up trying to quit just as they are about to win!
• Keep trying! Like any good habit, avoiding tobacco takes practice.

If you have quit

• Avoid taking "just a puff" or "bumming a cigarette".
• If you do slip, quit again immediately.

If you do not smoke

• Avoid breathing second hand smoke in your homes, work place, and leisure activities
• Keep children away from all smoke, especially at home and in day cares.
• Nearly 75% of Nebraskans do not smoke. Everyone can be active in protecting their right to breathe clean air.

• You will feel better
• You will live longer.
• Your family, especially children will be healthier.
• You will have extra money. The average smoker spends over $1000.00 per year on this habit.

  Get Help:

  Call 1-800-Alegent to find out about tobacco cessation classes or go to the Classes and Events  page.

  Call an Alegent Health Cancer Center Nurse
  Immanuel Medical Center (402) 572-3454
  Bergan Mercy Medical Center (402) 398-6563
  Midlands Hospital(402) 593-3339
  Mercy Hospital (Council Bluffs) (712) 88-2750

  Call A Quit Line
  Toll free call and free advice, information and help.
  
  Nebraska 1-866-NEB-QUIT (1-866-632-7848)
  Iowa 1-866-U-CAN-TRY (1-866-822-6879)

  For more information and support

  Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support, and Education www.alcase.org
  American Cancer Society
  1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org
  American Lung Association
  1-800-LUNGUSA www.lungusa.org
  National Women's Health Information Center
  1-800-994-woman www.4woman.gov
  Office of the US Surgeon General
  www.surgeongeneral.gov/tobacco