To the editor:
Someone close to me quit smoking last week. Within a few days his skin tone lost the ashy gray color and turned a healthy pink. Breathing became easier and blood flow improved throughout his body. There is more money in his pocket. Best of all, he is feeling better every day.
It wasn’t an easy road to travel. Nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine, and cigarettes were his deadly sidekick for most of his life.
With the help of his physician, he used nicotine replacement therapy and enrolled in the Indiana Tobacco Quitline for counseling from certified quit coaches. He chose the Text2Quit program to get encouragement and support throughout the day.
Conquering an addiction requires a one-two punch: Dealing with physical withdrawal symptoms and with mental habits. The Quitline addresses both of those issues.
Many health insurance plans now cover nicotine replacement therapy 100 percent, but if yours does not here is the good news. The Quitline is now offering free NRT by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and enrolling in the program. The offer ends when supplies run out.
That “someday” you’ve always thought about? Make it today.
Nancy Voris
Tobacco Free Johnson County
Tobacco Program Coordinator
