If you are like most smokers, your cigarettes have been like a close friend - with you through good times and bad. They've helped you relax, relieve stress, take study breaks, get through road trips, socialize with friends, collect your thoughts, curb your hunger, and make it through those difficult times.
Since you are reading this section of the web site, however, there is a good chance you've been thinking there are healthier ways to relax or take breaks. Perhaps you've realized that cigarettes don't really help you find solutions to your problems, but simply give you something to do besides think about your problems. Smoking can't help you concentrate because it actually reduces flow of oxygen to the brain. Lighting up simply reduces withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety allowing you to focus on something other than your symptoms.
Maybe you are contemplating quitting smoking because the costs of smoking have begun to outweigh the benefits. Whatever the case, CONGRATULATIONS! Having these thoughts is the first step towards quitting. There are currently 36 million former smokers in the U.S. Soon you can add your name to that list. You can do it and we'll show you how! Check out the following links for more information on quitting smoking.