According to the CDC, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. It's never too late to quit smoking and improve the health of yourself and those around you. To get free information on how to quit smoking, you can call any of these toll-free numbers:

Stamp Out Smoking - Be Well Arkansas: 1-800-Quit-Now
National Cancer Institute: 1-800-4-CANCER
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 1-800-CDC-4636

Or visit the following websites:
www.bewellarkansas.org/
www.BeTobaccoFree.gov
www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/tobacco/index.html
www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/tobacco-prevention-and-cessation
www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking.html
www.everydaychoices.org

There are also local programs and treatments available to help you stop smoking. Call any of the phone numbers below for more information and to find a program that will be a good fit for you.

Be Well Arkansas – Quitline
1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669)
This is a phone counseling program to assist you in quitting smoking. All calls are toll-free. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Closed on weekends and holidays.

Stop Smoking Course (Veterans’ Administration Medical Patients only)
VA Medical Center
(479) 444-5048
1100 N. College, Fayetteville, AR

Smoking Cessation Treatment
The Community Clinic - all locations
(479) 751-7417
Connect with a provider to begin treatment

Stop Smoking (University of Arkansas students, faculty and staff only)
Pat Walker Health Center
(479) 575-4451
525 N Garland Ave, Fayetteville, AR
One-on-one counseling and medications are available. Cost may vary.

Smoking Cessation Program
Medical Arts Pharmacy
(479) 443-3411
2515 E. Huntsville Rd., Fayetteville, AR
https://medartspharmacynwa.com/pharmacy-services/smoking-cessation-program

You Can Quit

You can quit smoking, and it's important to set yourself up for success. A good way to start is with these three important steps.

Step 1: Decide to quit
Step 2: Make an appointment with a doctor or contact a smoking cessation hotline
Step 3: Set a “Quit Day”

Make a Plan

Once you've made the decision to quit smoking, make a plan to help you reach your goal. There are actions you can take before your Quit Day to increase your chances of success. Here is a sample plan for each of the five days leading up to your Quit Day.

Quit Day minus 5
 -List reasons for quitting and tell your friends and family about your plans.
 -Stop buying cartons of cigarettes.
Quit Day minus 4
 -Pay attention to when and why you smoke. Think of new ways to relax or things to hold in your hand instead of a cigarette.
Quit Day minus 3
 -Think of whom to reach out to when you need help and how much money you will be saving by quitting.
Quit Day minus 2
 -Buy nicotine patches/gum or get a prescription for aides.
 -Clean your clothes to get rid of the smoke smell.
Quit Day minus 1
 -Think of rewards for yourself after you quit. At the end of the day, throw away all cigarettes, lighters and matches.
 -Have your teeth cleaned.
Quit Day
 -Keep very busy. Remind friends and family that this is your quit day and ask them to support you.
Quit Day plus 1
 -Congratulate yourself. Keep busy, change up your routine.
 -Add walking, increase your water intake, take deep breaths.
 -Snack on healthy things like carrots, sugarless gum or air-popped popcorn.

Changes When Smokers Quit

You will immediately notice changes once you stop smoking. Within hours, your blood pressure, pulse and senses will improve. Here are some of the changes you can look forward to:

Immediately
Air around you is no longer dangerous to others
20 minutes
Your blood pressure and pulse rates drop to normal and the temperature in your hands and feet increases to normal
8 hours
Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal and oxygen level in blood increases to normal
48 hours
Nerve endings start regrowing and your ability to smell and taste is enhanced
2-12 weeks
Your circulation and breathing improves and walking becomes much easier
1-9 months
Coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath decreases while overall energy and lung capacity increases
1 year
The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
5 years
Stroke risk, risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker
10 years
Precancerous cells are replaced and risk of smoking related cancers decrease
15 years
Risk of coronary heart disease is comparable to that of a non-smoker