NicFree - quit smoking, nicotine, nicotine withdrawal, quit smoking resources

Addiction researchers answer teens' questions about cigarettes and chewing tobacco. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recently offered adolescents the first ever "Drug Facts Chat Day." Students from high schools and middle schools across the country submitted anonymous questions online—about alcohol, the brain, addiction and everything in between—to NIDA scientists, including some of the nation's top experts in substance abuse. The scientists then responded with personalized, nonjudgmental answers

An interesting story I found online today  on cnn.com.. I had no idea the quit smoking business was so lucrative..

A Clinical Practice Guideline from the US Public Health Service suggests that when feasible and not medically contraindicated, tobacco cessation interventions should include at least one Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pharmaceutical aid in combination with tobacco dependence counseling.  Here we summarize the medications currently available in the United States for smoking cessation. Approaches for behavioral interventions are presented elsewhere and will not be addressed.

A useful one pager from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  - gives you a list of things to do on each of the days leading up to your quit date.Many people swear by the approach of planning your quit in advance, and this list gives you several things to consider including focusing on your reason for quitting.

There are many drugs available in Canada that can help you quit smoking. They work best when they are used as directed and combined with self-help programs or counselling. You need a doctor's prescription for some medicines. Others are available over-the-counter at your local drugstore. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you. Tis information comes from the Canadian Lung Association

Find out how much you send, or have spent on smoking using this little calculator.. it is kinda scary! You need flash on your computer to use the calculator. This Health Canada tool will also tell you how much you can save by quitting

I Quit: What To Do When You're Sick of Smoking, Chewing, or Dipping is a booklet written for young people that can help them quit smoking tobacco or using “spit” tobacco. Cleverly written and illustrated, the booklet originated with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health in Maryland. The book is available to download as PDF or you can orer bulk copies

While not a miracle cure, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, in the form of the patch, gum, lozenge or other prescription therapies, can make the quitting process much easier. Even though the nicotine patch, gum and lozenge are all available over the counter, it is advisable to check with your physician before using any quit smoking aid.

Smokers have rights too.  They have a perfect right to dwell in a permanent fog of their own creation, until their lungs and liver capitulate and they retire to the Great Ashtray in the Sky. Rules about smoking in public places vary widely from country to country.  Some nations have bans, dating back many years, on smoking in restaurants, public transport, cinemas and the workplace.