Where To Go
The State Department of Health has started a Tobacco Use Prevention Service, and the first thing a person who wants to quit should do is call their Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.
But that's only the beginning. You can find helpful programs for quitting smoking at the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, Medline Plus and the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids.
In addition, most of the local hospitals and health organizations such as Deaconess and Integris have programs or services to help people who wish to quit smoking.
And don't forget, About.com has a site for Smoking Cessation. I've placed some links to important, specific articles in the "Suggested Reading" box below.
But that's only the beginning. You can find helpful programs for quitting smoking at the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, Medline Plus and the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids.
In addition, most of the local hospitals and health organizations such as Deaconess and Integris have programs or services to help people who wish to quit smoking.
And don't forget, About.com has a site for Smoking Cessation. I've placed some links to important, specific articles in the "Suggested Reading" box below.
Outcome
The outcome to this fight is still very much up in the air. Organizations all across Oklahoma are beginning to pool their resources, fund programs and make a concerted effort to help those who are addicted to cigarettes.
And I think that's an important point that needs to be mentioned. They are addicted, and nicotine is one of the more powerfully addictive drugs around. When a person makes smoking a part of their life for so long, quitting is akin to subtracting part of them. Those who have smoked and quit or tried to quit know that isn't an overstatement.
The largest problem is that helping people who want to quit do so is only the first part of the battle that these organizations face. They also have to spend their resources educating and convincing people that they need to quit. Nobody will be successful unless they have a desire to do it.
One common perception among smokers is the feeling that the ramifications are so far in the future that worry will have its time later. But often, by that time it's too late.
If you know someone who smokes, refer them to the above websites or to their local hospital or medical center. There are support organizations available to help them begin the fight. It's time to step up against this serious problem facing so many Oklahomans.
And I think that's an important point that needs to be mentioned. They are addicted, and nicotine is one of the more powerfully addictive drugs around. When a person makes smoking a part of their life for so long, quitting is akin to subtracting part of them. Those who have smoked and quit or tried to quit know that isn't an overstatement.
The largest problem is that helping people who want to quit do so is only the first part of the battle that these organizations face. They also have to spend their resources educating and convincing people that they need to quit. Nobody will be successful unless they have a desire to do it.
One common perception among smokers is the feeling that the ramifications are so far in the future that worry will have its time later. But often, by that time it's too late.
If you know someone who smokes, refer them to the above websites or to their local hospital or medical center. There are support organizations available to help them begin the fight. It's time to step up against this serious problem facing so many Oklahomans.
