With nicotine patches and coaching through the Colorado QuitLine, you can finally stop smoking for good.

People put off quitting for several reasons:

• They think it might be expensive.
• It is not just a bad habit, but an addiction.
• They’ve tried and failed.
• It is hard to do.

The truth is, quitting is hard and it takes most people two or three attempts before they are successful. Tobacco use is an addiction. Nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

Because smoking is an addiction, quitting can be hard. Using a combination of behavior coaching (such as the Colorado QuitLine) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can greatly improve your odds. Treatments cost anywhere from $3 to $10 a day. The average smoker spends $2,000 to $3,000 a year on cigarettes. People who use the free Colorado QuitLine coaching services may also be eligible to receive a free supply of nicotine patches.

Tips to help you get started

TIP #1: Make a quitting plan – pick a quit date, and prepare yourself mentally. List the reasons why you want to quit, and keep that list with you at all times. Reward yourself for a job well done.
TIP #2: Declare your home and car tobacco-free – you are more likely to be successful in your attempt to quit smoking if you have a tobacco-free rule in place.
TIP #3: Call the Colorado QuitLine – a free, confidential telephone coaching service. Call 1 800 QUIT-NOW.
TIP #4: Alter your patterns – keep yourself away from situations where you might feel the need to smoke. Also try to keep away from caffeine and alcohol for the first few weeks.
TIP #5: Use the patch – nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) will help increase your chances of success. Take advantage of free Colorado QuitLine coaching to receive a free supply of nicotine patches.