American Lung Association — Smoking Cessation

Each year more Americans die from smoking related diseases than from AIDS, drug abuse, car accidents and murder combined. Smoking contributes to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and negatively impacts quality of life. Freedom from Smoking uses the methods and materials of the American Lung Association to assist the smoker to quit smoking for good. It can be provided in a variety of ways at your workplace or organization – from a one session informational presentation to a series of class meetings to effect behavioral changes that can lead to freedom from the addiction to nicotine. Health Education Services will work with your organization to design a program that will meet the needs of the smokers and the employer with regard to length of the class and the number of meetings in the series.

This course covers the following topics:

• Module 1: In Module 1 you will get information about the Freedom From Smoking program, how it works, and what to expect. We help you determine your readiness to quit smoking, and to reduce your ambivalence about quitting. We also help you begin believing that you actually can quit smoking.
• Module 2: During Module 2 you will begin to understand your learned habit. You will learn some stress management/relaxation techniques. And you will begin to build you confidence and motivation to quit.
• Module 3: You will come to a deeper understanding of your particular smoking habit. Then we will begin to look at substitute behaviors to smoking. You will make specific plans to cope with you trigger situations. This will help you avoid relapse. We will give you some information on nicotine reduction therapy, and you will make general preparations for quitting. On your chosen Quit Day you will make a firm decision to go smoke free.
• Module 4: This module covers physical and psychological recovery symptoms. We will look at the medical and non-medical benefits of quitting. We will discuss particular problems, fears and successes. And we will cover the dynamics of stress and some options to healthier stress management techniques.
• Module 5: During Module 5 we consider long term strategies for maintaining a smoke free lifestyle. We will deal specifically with weight control issues, and saying, "No" to cigarettes in social situations.
• Module 6: We will continue with maintenance issues as we offer information about staying smoke free. We will talk about your new, nonsmoking, self image. We'll cover fitness and exercise, and teach a plan for beginning a walking program. You will also learn some assertive communication techniques.
• Module 7: This is truly a time for celebration! We will cover the effects of secondhand smoke. We will also review your nonsmoking status. We cover how long the recovery process takes, what you can continue to expect, and then we ask you to evaluate the program