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Why should I quit smoking or other tobacco products?
Quitting nicotine and tobacco products is one of the best things you can do for your health. Whether you smoke cigarettes, use smokeless tobacco, vape or use other nicotine products, stopping now can help you breathe easier and feel better.
Tobacco-containing products have a wide range of effects on the body. It increases the risk of a variety of cancers, heart disease and lung disease. Even vaping has risks due to the multiple substances in vaping products that are toxic to the body.
What happens when you quit smoking?
Cigarette smoke contains about 7,000 chemicals – 69 of which are known to cause cancer.
Your body starts healing almost immediately after you quit tobacco products or nicotine. Within minutes, your heart rate begins to drop. Within the next 24 hours to a few days, the levels of carbon monoxide in your blood decrease, allowing more oxygen to be delivered to your body.
- In only one to two years, your risk of heart attack drops significantly.
- After 5 to 10 years, your risk of mouth, throat or voice box cancers decreases by 50%.
- 10 years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer is about half that of a tobacco user, while your risk of bladder, kidney and esophagus cancers also decreases.
- After 15 years, your risk of heart disease is close to that of a non-smoker.
People who quit smoking can add about 10 years to their life compared to those who continue to smoke.
This is all while saving a substantial amount of money as well.
Side effects of quitting smoking
In the first 48 hours, your senses of taste and smell will start to improve. Around this time, withdrawal symptoms may begin to set in. Common symptoms include:
- Cravings
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
These side effects of quitting smoking are common, but they’re also temporary and manageable with support.
Quitting nicotine is a journey that brings real, lasting health benefits. Your body is incredibly resilient, and it starts to thank you the moment you quit.
How to quit tobacco products
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to quit. Some people stop cold turkey, while others use aids or join programs.
Combining behavioral health support, such as counseling or programs, with FDA-approved medications improves the success of quitting. Your provider can help you create a plan to quit tobacco.
Combining behavioral health support, such as counseling or programs, with FDA-approved medications improves the success of quitting. Your provider can help you create a plan to quit tobacco.
Nicotine replacement products
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you quit smoking or vaping by giving you a small, controlled amount of nicotine – without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco. It comes in a few different forms and helps reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you work toward quitting for good.
- Nicotine patches (watch for side effects)
- Nicotine-containing lozenges or gum
- Nicotine-containing inhalers, sometimes referred to as “Nicorette inhalers” (usually by prescription only)
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Medications
Smoking cessation medications are prescription drugs that help people quit by reducing cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms.
These medications don’t contain nicotine, and they’re often used alongside other quit aids like patches or gum. Your doctor can help you decide which option is best for you based on your health history and how much nicotine you consume.
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Support programs
There are a variety of support programs for those looking to quit:
- Join a quit smoking program or smoking cessation program near you
- Call a stop smoking helpline
- Look for local quit smoking groups or smoking support groups in your area
Ballad Health understands how challenging it can be to break free from the grip of tobacco and nicotine addiction. That’s why we’re proud to offer our free phone counseling program. Learn more about our Strong Cessation program.
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Vaping and e-cigs
Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. Users of vapes are exposed to, by some reports, over 1,000 chemicals. What’s even more concerning is that not all chemical compounds in vapes have been identified.
Chemicals found in vapes can include:
- Nicotine as an addictive substance
- Carbonyl compounds, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein
- Volatile organic compounds, including benzene and toluene
- Ultrafine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs
- Heavy metals, including nickel, tin, lead and chromium
When you vape, your cardiovascular system is stressed, which can result in a higher risk of cardiovascular and heart disease.
E-cigarette and vaping injuries
Vaping is also associated with EVALI, or E-Cigarette and Vaping Associate Lung Injury.
The symptoms of EVALI include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen
- Respiratory failure
Quitting vaping
The process of quitting vaping starts with making a plan. Your provider can help you talk through the best options available to you.
Support from friends, family or a quit smoking helpline can make a big difference, especially during tough moments.
Whether you decide to quit cold turkey or gradually cut back, the key is to stay committed and reach out for help when you need it.
Get help with quitting smoking near you
If you’re ready to quit, you’re not alone. There are many ways to get help.
Ballad Health Strong Cessation program
Free help to quit smoking
As part of our comprehensive program, we assist all eligible patients in free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), creating an individualized quit plan and offering support through one-on-one counseling over the telephone.
Free low-dose CT screenings
Free screenings between February 15 and April 15, 2026
This screening uses a CT scanner to take detailed images of your lungs. It’s one of the most effective ways to detect lung cancer, and finding lung cancer early offers you better options for treatment. Find out if you’re eligible for a free screening today!
Frequently asked questions about quitting nicotine
Quitting smoking usually starts with a plan. You can choose a quit date, remove triggers and use aids like nicotine patches or gum. Speak with your primary care provider to determine the best method for you.
Your body begins the process of healing almost immediately. Over time, breathing becomes easier, while your risk of cancer and heart disease drops.
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people start to feel better in a few days, while others can take weeks or months to begin feeling positive changes. You may experience withdrawal symptoms like cravings or irritability, but these will pass with time.
The process is similar to quitting smoking. You can use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), set a quit date and avoid triggers. Support groups and quit programs can help you stay on track. Talk to your primary care provider for personalized advice.
Yes. There are many smoking cessation programs, quit smoking kits and products available. You can also call a stop smoking helpline or join a smoking support group near you. Some programs are free or covered by insurance.
Find your primary care provider
Primary care providers near you
You can use our find-a-doctor tool to find your current primary care provider to schedule your next appointment or find a new general doctor near you who aligns with your personal health goals.
Contact us directly
Need help finding a doctor in your area? Our call center team will guide you through your options and insurance coverage to help you quickly find a doctor near you accepting new patients. Agents are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.