Feeling out of control Cigarette smoking and other tobacco addictions such as chewing tend to start when people are young. Some typical reasons for using tobacco include a need for acceptance by peers, a desire to act like an adult and a demonstration of independence. However, the reasons for continuing to smoke are quite different. Our peer group may be smokers, making it difficult to quit. We may find smoking enjoyable despite the health risks, cost, yellowing teeth and smelly clothes. We may even feel that we lack the discipline and self-control necessary to stop smoking. Nevertheless, you are here, reading this...something motivated you to check out this page! Think about it, does smoking really make any sense? Yes, it is tough to quit. But why? Consider the following: Cigarettes are highly addictive physically. Of the thousands of chemicals (yes, thousands!) in each cigarette, the culprit most responsible for addiction is nicotine, which stimulates the central nervous system. Cigarettes are psychologically addictive. You've seen the advertisements associating smoking with everything from sex appeal to social enjoyment and peer acceptance. Cigarettes are part of the college scene, at parties, clubs, in between class and at other social occasions. The temptation is always staring you in the face. Even though the act of smoking seems to help you to take your mind off the stress of exams, friends, roommate hassles and other daily annoyances, every puff you take feeds the need for more and more nicotine. And there you have it . . . just a few of the many reasons why quitting is hard to do! But when youˇ¦re finally ready to quit smoking, you must deal with it realistically. Having the desire to stop smoking is a great first step. To help you, here are some other tips for giving up smoking. Creating a plan greatly increases your ability to be successful in stopping smoking. SIU has a number of options to help you. They are:    Student Health Programs, 618-536-5585     Dental Hygiene, 618-453-8826     Community, 618-453-3134, ext. 133 or 134 Prepare yourself for nicotine withdraw. Ask Dial a Nurse, the Student Health Assessment Center (SHAC) or an SIU doctor, nurse, dental hygienist or pharmacist about using a nicotine patch or nicotine gum to ease the discomfort of withdrawal. Make sure you have support from your friends. Have an open and honest conversation with a couple of friends. Ask for their active support. This website is made possible through a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Tobacco Free Communities Program.

..Student Health Programs   ph:1.618.536.5585 ..Dental Hygiene   ph: 1.618.453.8826 ..Community   ph: 1.618.453.3134   (ext.133 or 134) Big Tobacco and Young People Illinois Department of Public Health Tobacco Information and Prevention Source The National Women's Health Information Center