New Year's resolutions: Quit smoking

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - We're tackling what some people may say is the toughest resolution out there, saying no to cigarettes and putting a stop to smoking.
     
Current smokers know the addiction, and for those of you who don't, this might be an incentive to never start.
     
We've already gone over two resolutions. Eating healthy and exercising are mental.
     
Smoking is a physical addiction.
     
Many officials say nicotine is the most addictive substance known to man. It takes an average person seven to ten times to quit.
     
The American Lung Association reports that in 2009, 20 percent of adults were smokers. In addition, 19 percent of high school students were current smokers.

Dave Winemiller has tried to quit smoking several times. He'd make it a week or two, but then fall back into the same pattern.
     
The reason is because it's such a social activity; cigarettes are all around.

"It's hard to quit smoking because it's accessable," said Dave. "Everywhere you go you're always seeing someone with a cigarette, which triggers in your mind that you're going back to your addiction to tobacco itself."

The big question, "what can you do?"

Marilynn is the health advocate nurse at Union Hospital.

She says it's important to start strong. You need to have the goal of quitting.
     
Also, ween yourself off the nicotine. Use the patch, gum, etc.

Finally, find people to help.

"Having people in mind that you know when you're having a difficult time, not picking up that cigarette, that you can call them at a seconds notice and they can help you and support you through that time so that you don't start smoking again," said Marilynn.