How to Quit Smoking With the Great American Smokeout

Quit smoking for good!

Rate: (25 Ratings)

A tradition that dates back to the 1970's, the Great American Smokeout has helped millions of people to quit smoking, for at least one day. Traditionally celebrated the third Thursday in November, the Great American Smokeout invites others to join the one-third of America's 46 million smokers to quit smoking for 24 hours. Many have used this day as a jumping off point to quit smoking for life.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Mark your quit smoking day on your calendar, the third Thursday of November if you're doing it on The Great American Smokeout. Be sure to tell all of your family and friends about your attempt so they can come along side and support you.
Step 2

Prepare yourself to quit smoking so you will not be tempted. Get rid of all of your cigarettes and ashtrays in your car and at home. Stock up on oral substitutes, such as sugarless gum, carrot sticks, ice, or hard candies.
Step 3

Make a plan. Decide whether you will use nicotine substitutes, or attend a quit smoking class. Practice saying, "No, thank you. I don't smoke." Think about past attempts, what helped before and what didn't.
Step 4

Create a support system to help you quit. This could be Nicotine Anonymous, or a friend or family member who has successfully stopped smoking. Ask your friends and family who still smoke to kindly not do it around you.
Step 5

Participate in the fun events put on by the American Cancer Society during the Great American Smokeout. Some past events include getting a free 'cold turkey' sandwich when you turn in at least half a pack of cigarettes, giant obstacle courses made of over sized cigarettes, or seminars by celebrities who have quit smoking.
Step 6

The rules of the Great American Smokeout are simple: Quit smoking for 24 hours. Use this as a starting point to help you quit for life. There will be plenty of cheering you on and others doing it with you to get you off to a great start. Make some new 'non-smoking' friends and help each other to quit for good.