Released by Tobcacco Free Florida …
Tobacco Free Florida is Encouraging Those Who Relapsed to Try Again
TALLAHASSEE, FLA. – Many people make New Year’s resolutions to accomplish personal goals, but some resolutions do not always go according to plan. In fact, by the second week of February, about four out of five resolutions fail. Quitting smoking is no different. For many smokers, it can take several attempts to quit for good.
The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida program wants you to know that slipups and relapses are common among people trying to quit smoking.3 A slip is one or two cigarettes after you quit. A relapse means going back to smoking regularly.4 While most slips or relapses occur within the first three months after quitting, they can happen anytime.
“Each time you make a quit attempt, you learn more about what will work for you,” said Florida State Surgeon General, Scott A. Rivkees, M.D. “Keep trying, ask your healthcare provider for help and remember you can quit. In fact, today there are more former smokers in Florida than
current smokers.”
Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program offers free Phone Quit, Group Quit and Web Quit services, in addition to individual tools like text support, a Quit Guide and helpful emails.
Free nicotine replacement therapy – nicotine patches, gum or lozenges – are available to tobacco users who are 18 or older, if medically appropriate.
“Quitting smoking is difficult and, for many, can require several attempts before quitting for good,” said Bureau Chief of Tobacco Free Florida, Laura Corbin. “If you had a slip up or relapse, don’t get discouraged. Creating a quit plan and using proven-effective resources, like Tobacco Free Florida, can increase your chances of quitting smoking for good.
For more information, please visit tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.
About Tobacco Free Florida
The department’s Tobacco Free Florida campaign is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Since the program began in 2007, more than 234,000 Floridians have successfully quit using one of Tobacco Free Florida’s free tools and services.
There are now approximately 451,000 fewer adult smokers in Florida than there was 10 years ago, and the state has saved $17.7 billion in health care costs. To learn more about Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way services, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/tobaccofreefla.