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I want to quit smoking. What tools and resources are available to help me?

Lisa DiMaggio Beacher
Lisa DiMaggio Beacher
Pharm.D., Winn Dixie Pharmacy, Mid City

The first step is to understand why you are smoking and when you feel the need to have a cigarette. Certain things in your everyday life may trigger you to smoke. You might smoke after meals, on break with co-workers, during times of stress, or when talking on the phone. You have to become better acquainted with these triggers, so you can develop better ways to deal with these circumstances. 

In order to help you with withdrawal symptoms and cravings, there are over-the-counter and prescription products available. Over-the-counter products include skin patches, chewing gum and lozenges. All of these products contain nicotine; they work to wean your body off nicotine while delivering a controlled amount to your body. These products do not contain all of the other chemicals that cigarettes have, so they are deemed safer. These products have become extremely affordable over the last few years, with generic brands hitting the market. Winn-Dixie offers a wide variety of these products in generic forms that may even be covered by your insurance. Retrieve a prescription from your physician and stop by our pharmacy to see if it is covered!

Another option is a non-nicotine-containing drug. There are two FDA-approved medications, in tablet form, available by prescription only. You should speak with your physician about which one is right for you. Both of these drugs are covered by most insurance companies.

This may be a difficult process, but millions have done it, and so can you. Gather all the information you need and start your plan of action. Keep in mind your triggers, and learn ways to deal with them. As always, you can stop by any of your Winn-Dixie pharmacies for more information on these products, and get support on your path to becoming nicotine-free.

Happy New Year!