Dr. Norman Edelman is the American Lung Association’s leading medical authority, and has served as the Association’s Chief Medical Officer for 25 years.  We’ve asked Dr. Edelman to answer some common questions people have while trying to quit smoking.

Click here to download a printable version. 

Q. I’ve cut back significantly on smoking.  It’s not so bad for me if I only smoke once in a while, right?
A.  The most important thing any smoker can do to improve his or her health is to quit smoking completely. That means not smoking at all, not even “once in a while” or “just when I’m out with my friends.” It may take a few tries, but you can stop using tobacco for good.

Q. What are the health benefits to quitting smoking?
A.  Soon after you quit smoking, you will notice you have more energy.   Your smoker’s cough will go away, although for some it may take weeks as your lungs clean themselves by bringing up mucous.  Your eyes and throat won’t be irritated, and your senses of taste and smell will improve.  Your risk of hearth attack and stroke is reduced quickly. Over time, you’ll have fewer colds and respiratory infections, and your body will repair some of the damage from smoking. In the long run, you reduce your risk of lung cancer and you will also have fewer wrinkles, whiter teeth and will no longer smell like tobacco.  You’ll even save money; lots of it!

Q. I’ve tried to quit smoking before and it didn’t work. What can I do differently to quit for good this time?
A.  Smoking is very addictive for most people and quitting 'cold turkey' generally isn't effective.  The majority of smokers need help quitting – which means getting support from your friends and family, signing up for a program like Freedom From Smoking, and taking a medication that can help you quit.

Q.  Which medications can I take to help me quit smoking?
A.  There are seven clinically proven medications available that can help you with your nicotine addiction. There are over-the-counter medications, such as nicotine patches, lozenges and gum, as well as prescription nicotine-replacement-therapies, like the nicotine inhaler and nicotine nasal spray.  There are also two non-nicotine prescription drugs that can help you quit:  bupropion and varenicline.

Q. Will I gain weight if I quit smoking?  
A. Some people do gain a few pounds when they quit smoking. But following a healthy eating plan and increasing physical activity will help you manage your weight.

Q. I have friends and family members who smoke, which makes it hard for me to quit. How can I help them quit smoking, too?
A. Well, there’s no way to make them quit, but you can help them! Tell them you care about their health and want them to stop smoking. See if they’re interested in trying to quit with you – a buddy can be a great source of support. And while you’re trying to quit smoking, ask them to please not smoke around you or to offer you cigarettes.

Q. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do instead of having a cigarette?
A.  The urge to smoke will pass within a few minutes, whether or not you have a cigarette. So try doing something that will distract you  – go for a walk around the block, call a friend that you haven’t talked to in a while, or read a magazine article. Check out the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking for more tips to help you quit.