Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year (about 1 of every 5 deaths) with more than 41,000 of those deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco, also has harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, and gum disease.

Vaping

E-Cigarettes and vaping have become very popular in recent years, and while they are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, they are not without risk and potential harm from nicotine and other chemicals. In addition, scientists still have a lot to learn about whether e-cigarettes are effective for quitting smoking. They are not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for smoking cessation.

Tools to Quit

Keep in mind that quitting is not easy. Some smokers can quit without assistance, but most who attempt to quit do not succeed on the first try. Combining some type of emotional support like counseling with a type of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or medication proves to be the most successful method.

Group or Individual Support

UChicago Student Wellness can provide a brief session of individual therapy for help with addiction.

Your primary care physician or nurse practitioner can help you choose the right options for you to be successful in quitting.

Additional Support