If ever a time to quit smoking, the Great American Smokeout is a supportive opportunity!

The Mystic Valley Alcohol Tobacco Control Program invites you to participate in the annual Great American Smokeout happening this Thursday, November 21st, 2013! Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, but about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes — That’s nearly 1 in every 5 adults! Every year, on the third Thursday of November, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. They use the date to make a plan to quit, or quit smoking that day. The event challenges smokers to stop using tobacco and helps to educate on the many tools they can use to quit and remain tobacco-free.

In many communities, local volunteers work very hard to support smokers that want to quit, publicizing this anti-smoking event, and support laws that control tobacco use and discourage teens from starting.

Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have support, such as:

• Telephone smoking-cessation hotlines
• Stop-smoking groups
• Online quit groups
• Counseling
• Nicotine replacement products
• Prescription medicine to lessen cravings
• Guide books
• Encouragement and support from friends and family members

Using 2 or more of these methods to help you quit smoking works better than using any one of them alone. So if you or someone you know has been considering quitting tobacco use, encourage them to use the Great American Smokeout day to seek resources and to make a plan to quit!

The Massachusetts Smokers’ Helpline is a great place to start! It is a FREE and confidential way to get support and information to help you quit smoking. When you call, you’ll be connected with a professional quit coach. Your quit coach specializes in helping people quit smoking. You can ask questions about quitting and make a plan to help you quit! Call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669)