Why quitting smoking matters: How to understand, manage, and break the habit

If you’re reading this, you might be thinking about quitting smoking—or maybe you’re supporting someone who is. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for your health, but it’s also a journey that comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s talk about why smoking is harmful and practical steps to help you move toward a smoke-free life.

Why smoking is harmful

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 69 that are known to cause cancer and many others that are toxic to your body. Smoking increases your risk for heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, lung diseases, and many types of cancer.

Secondhand smoke is also dangerous, affecting the health of those around you, not just smokers themselves.

The good news is that the body begins to heal almost immediately after quitting. Within 20 minutes, your heart rate drops. After a few months, your lung function improves. And after a year, your risk of heart disease is cut in half.

Why quitting is challenging

Nicotine, the addictive substance in cigarettes, changes the way your brain works. Over time, your brain craves nicotine to feel “normal.” But it’s not just about the chemical addiction—smoking can be tied to daily routines, emotions, and social situations.

Think about when you usually smoke. Is it with your morning coffee? During breaks at work? When you’re stressed or celebrating? Recognizing these patterns is the first step to breaking the cycle.

Managing habits: Small changes, big impact

Quitting smoking isn’t just about stopping cigarettes—it’s about changing routines and finding new ways to cope with cravings and stress. Here are some strategies that can help:

Find your motivation: People quit for many reasons—health, family, finances, or simply wanting to feel better. Whatever your reason, keeping it in mind can help you stay motivated.
Look for patterns: Pay attention to when and why you smoke. Once you know your triggers, you can plan for them and see opportunities for change.
Connect with others: Tell family or friends about your plan to quit — their encouragement can make a big difference. You can also join a support group, either in person or online, to connect with others on the same journey.
Practice stress management: Many people smoke to cope with stress, so it’s important to find new tools. Bold has meditation, yoga, and stretching classes to help you relax and boost your mood.
Seek professional help: Healthcare providers can offer advice and discuss options like nicotine replacement or medications.
Consider a target quit date: Setting a quit date is a crucial step in quitting smoking and can significantly increase your chances of success. It provides a clear target and helps you prepare mentally and physically for the change.

For more, go to the CDC’s guide to quitting smoking.

Ways to quit

Counseling and support: Working with a quit smoking counselor—whether one-on-one, in a group, or through resources like 1-800-QUIT-NOW—can help you make a plan, manage cravings, and stay motivated. Free digital tools and texting programs are also available through CDC.gov/quit and smokefree.gov.
Medications: Talk to your healthcare provider about medications to help with quitting, including nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) and prescription options (like varenicline or bupropion), which can make it easier to handle withdrawal and cravings.

Combining counseling with medication offers the best chance of quitting for good, as the two approaches together are proven to be more effective than either one alone

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