Do you smoke cigarettes? Have you ever been told you needed to stop? Choosing to stop smoking can be hard, but there are many ways that can help you stop smoking for good.

There are many reasons why you may smoke. Maybe you smoke when you are around friends, or maybe you smoke because it keeps you calm. Your reasons are important but what matters most is that you work on stopping. By not smoking, you can have a healthier lifestyle.

You may be asking, “Why should I stop?” That is a good question. One reason is that cigarette smoking is a big cause of death in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 16 million Americans have a sickness from cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is dangerous because it can harm your body. An article in Drug & Alcohol Dependence found that studies show adults do not know how bad cigarettes are to the body. If you do not know how bad something is, you may not know why you should stop doing it.

Smoking also changes a person’s attitude. For example, smoking causes weakness. Being tired makes it hard to work or do other things, which can cause depression.

The CDC also found that smoking can cause different illnesses, such as heart attacks and cancer. Also, a person is more likely to drink alcohol and do drugs when they smoke. These sicknesses can also affect those you are around – your friends and family. This means that smoking harms the body and the mind.

Smoking causes sickness for people of all ages. In South Carolina, 22 percent of children said they smoked cigarettes, according to the Mayo Clinic. CDC studies report the first age of cigarette smoking as young as 7 years old. According to the Mayo Clinic, 7,500 people in South Carolina die each year from sicknesses caused by smoking. This means that smoking is a big problem for our state.

Do you want to stop smoking cigarettes, but do not know what to do? There are many ways to stop smoking cigarettes. The CDC suggests some ways, including medicine and patches. The first step is getting help and support. There are programs to help you make a plan that best fits you.

Maybe you are thinking, “What would I do in place of smoking?” Many people smoke to keep busy. This time could be replaced with fun activities, such as exercising or drawing. Exercising for thirty minutes three times a week is a great way to stay active. If you are used to having something to chew on, you could try sugar-free gum or mints instead.

Remember that you are doing something to help you feel better and maybe live longer. The CDC found that when you stop smoking you will have more energy and clearer skin. Be kind to yourself and do not give up. The sooner you stop, the healthier you will be. Do not be afraid to stop today.