Quitting Smoking: A Difficult but Crucial Task for Oklahomans

Recent cigarette sales in Oklahoma have declined somewhat due to the rise in taxes, but some suggest it's not because Oklahomans are quitting smoking. Instead, they may just be buying their cigarettes elsewhere. A recent study found that Oklahoma has one of the highest percentages of smoking-related deaths in the nation, and overall ranks as one of the unhealthiest states. Some of these numbers are staggering, in fact, and as a state we're finally beginning to see that something must be done.

Quitting smoking can be a difficult task indeed. But difficult doesn't mean impossible. Don't get me wrong. The last thing I want to do is insinuate that it's easy. I know that many who have quit smoking count it as one of the more difficult things they've ever done in their lives. I've even heard women say they'd rather go through childbirth many, many times than have to quit smoking.

Again, though, difficult does not mean impossible. And with this rising crisis in the state and Oklahoma City, a number of organizations are doing what they can to get the information out there, to offer support for those trying to quit and to try to increase the overall health of Oklahoma City residents.

Let's take a look first at some of these numbers I mention. Then we'll move along to what can be done. If you smoke or know someone that does (and odds are you fit one of those two), arm yourself with this information.

The following statistics come from the Oklahoma State Health Department:

• One in four, or about 630,000, Oklahoma adults are current smokers.
  
• Seventy-six percent of current adult smokers in Oklahoma began smoking regularly as teens.
  
• Among Oklahoma children now under the age of 18, an estimated 77,943 will die prematurely as a result of tobacco addiction.
  
• Currently, 16% of Oklahoma youth in grades 6-8 and 32% of youth in grades 9-12 use some form of tobacco products.
  
• Among women who recently gave birth in Oklahoma, about one-third smoked prior to pregnancy; and of these women, two-thirds smoked during the last three months of pregnancy.
  
• Tobacco use causes the premature death of about 6,000 Oklahomans each year, or an average of 16 each day, more than from any other cause.
  
• The estimated direct and indirect costs of tobacco use in Oklahoma exceed $2 billion annually.
  
• There is no safe level of tobacco use.
  
  And then we get to perhaps the most notable statistic of all:
  
  
• Three out of four adult smokers report that they would like to quit smoking.
  
• Forty-percent quit for one or more days in the past year.
  
• Of the youth in grades 6-12 who smoke, half indicate they would like to quit.
  
  

Among some pretty grim facts, those final three statistics indicate something positive. But they also indicate a mighty challenge.

I think it's important that I note before continuing the purpose of this issue statement. There is no desire on my part to "preach" to anyone about the dangers of smoking. Most are well aware of them.

Rather, my goal is one of support. I believe that a wing of support can carry a person with a sincere desire to quit smoking much further than they can go it alone. I have a number of personal experiences with this issue, something I will elaborate on in the Oklahoma City discussion forum if OKC residents or anyone else would like to visit about this article.

Primarily, by presenting this information, I hope to convince a few people that there are options available to them in the pursuit of quitting, that it doesn't have to be a cold-turkey-impossibility.