smoking_ladypainting

Tobacco is killing Black America

 

Tobacco use, which is related to heart disease, cancer, and stroke are the three leading causes of premature death among African Americans, claims the lives of roughly 47,000 African Americans each year. It is linked to 63% of cancer related deaths among African American men in the United States, the highest cancer mortality rate of any gender-ethnic group.

04

It’s your mind and your body

Overcoming Tobacco Addiction

Remember, tobacco addiction is both mental and physical. For most people, the best way to quit will be some combination of medicine, a method to change personal habits, and emotional support.

Most smokers become addicted to nicotine, a drug that is found naturally in tobacco
More people in the United States are addicted to nicotine than to any other drug..Research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol.
Quitting smoking is hard and may require several attempts. People who stop smoking often start again because of withdrawal symptoms, stress, and weight gain.

cig lungs

Next Steps…

 

 

Helpful Resources

Quitline Services

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) if you want help quitting. This is a free telephone support service that can help people who want to stop smoking or using tobacco. Callers are routed to their state quitlines, which offer several types of quit information and services. These may include:

  • Free support, advice, and counseling from experienced quitline coaches
  • A personalized quit plan
  • Practical information on how to quit, including ways to cope with nicotine withdrawal
  • The latest information about stop-smoking medications
  • Free or discounted medications (available for at least some callers in most states)
  • Referrals to other resources
  • Mailed self-help materials

Online Help

Get free help online, too.