Quit Smoking

Want to quit smoking? You've made a great choice. But no one's kidding anyone: quitting is difficult. Here's what you need to succeed.

One of the best ways to ensure your success is to get support. The Colorado QuitLine (1-800-QUIT-NOW) is a toll-free counseling service that connects people who want to quit smoking with trained counselors at National Jewish Hospital who can guide and support them through the quitting process.

Freedom From Smoking Online
The American Lung Association offers online support tools through its Freedom From Smoking Web-based smoking cessation clinic. The program is based on the Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking program, which has already helped thousands quit smoking for good. Freedom From Smoking Online can be accessed day or night, seven days a week.

N-O-T (Not On Tobacco) is the American Lung Association's school-based program to help teens quit smoking. Find out if N-O-T is offered at your high school.

Other tobacco pages:

   Quit Smoking
You can do it! Local resources to help people of all ages say "no" and mean it.

   Resources for Schools
Our breathing lung exhibit leaves a lasting impression on elementary students, and our N-O-T (Not On Tobacco) program has helped thousands of teens quit smoking.

   Secondhand Smoke Info
Find out what efforts are being made in your community to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

Eliminating Tobacco Disparities
Certain culturally diverse communities experience higher tobacco addiction rates than other groups. See what's being done.

Tobacco Industry Exposed
The "Tobacco Industry Involvement in Colorado" report is one of our most popular downloads.

Resources & Links

Why should you quit?

20 minutes after you quit:
• Blood pressure drops to normal
• Pulse rate drops to normal

8 hours
• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

48 hours
• Nerve endings start regrowing
• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

1-9 months
• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
• Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing thier ability to handle mucus, clean lungs, and reduce infection

5 years
• Lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker decreases by almost half
• Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus decreases by half