No need to go it alone when you quit smoking

It's the hard truth — nicotine is extremely addictive and once you become a smoker, it can be very hard to stop.

The good news is many programs are available in Eastern Iowa, many free of charge, to help smokers kick the habit for good.

Quitline Iowa, an online and telephone service supported by the Iowa Department of Public Health, connects those who want to quit with expert coaches who provide support. Those who enroll can also be eligible for eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum or lozenges).

After an initial consultation over the phone, Quitline Iowa will assign each caller what they call a 'Quit Coach.'

'The Quit Coach helps the participant set up a quit attempt,' says Jerilyn Oshel, director of the Division of Tobacco Use, Prevention and Control at the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The coach then schedules regular calls to listen, make suggestions and offer advice to help the participant be successful. Coaches explain how to use nicotine replacements — when and where to use them to the best effect.

Although some people can quit the first time, other people have to try several times before they're successful. Coaches can help with relapses and get participants back on track.

Besides having scheduled coaching sessions, participants can call a toll-free number any time they need encouragement and support.

'Say you wake up and are used to having a cup of coffee and a cigarette. If you have a craving then, you can call to get advice about what you can do instead,' Oshel says.

Locally, the Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) also offers smoking cessation programs to interested businesses and organizations. Employers or employees can request the program, which is based on the American Cancer Society's curriculum.

ASAC's program consists of four classes. The first two are held before the smokers in the group quit.

'We discuss why they need to quit and what it will be like once they stop smoking,' says Erin Foster, certified prevention specialist and Linn County prevention director.  The next two classes are dedicated to helping participants deal with withdrawal cravings and other side effects of quitting.

'For example, we'll tell them, 'Your lungs may hurt for a while because they're trying to detox themselves,'' Foster says. 'If we explain, then you can understand what's going on, and that will help people get through it.'

There are rewards for quitting. Becoming tobacco-free has almost immediate positive effects on the body, according to the American Cancer Association. After just 24 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. After two weeks, your risk of a heart attack drops. After one year, your heart attack risk is half that of a continuing smoker.

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Local help available

Quitline Iowa: 1-(800) QUIT-NOW, www.quitnow.net/iowa

ASAC: (319) 390-4611, http://asac.us

Mercy Medical Center: (319) 389-5165, http://tinyurl.com/pcu8feu

UnityPoint Health: (319) 369-8154, http://tinyurl.com/pgwgof6

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics: http://www.uihealthcare.org/smokingcessation/

CarePro Health Services: (319) 247-5691

Health Solutions, LLC, (319) 362-2409