Research on Smoking

Here is some sobering research about smoking that illustrates the need for a strong, comprehensive program to help smokers quit:

• About 26% of adults in the United States smoke cigarettes (Fisher and Goldfarb, 1998, p. v-vi), totaling well over 60 million users today (DHHS, 2002).

• About 90% of active smokers would like to quit and wish they’d never started. (Fisher and Goldfarb, 1998, p. 213)

• As many as 90% of smokers are clinically “addicted” to smoking, making it one of the most addictive drugs in existence (Sherman, 1994). Conversely, most people who drink alcohol are not addicted to it and can drink socially in only moderation.

• Estimates of those making a serious attempt to quit smoking each year is about 50% (between 33% to 66%) for all active smokers (Psychology Today, 2004; Sherman, 1994).

• Quitting usually requires complete abstinence. Once a person has a single puff after quitting, they go back to full-time smoking 80-85% of the time (Sherman, 1994).

• 70% of relapses occur after an upsetting or stressful event triggers a negative mood (Sherman,1994). Therefore, to be effective, smoking cessation programs should include a component to help smokers better handle the difficult emotions that may arise, such as stress, anxiety, anger, and boredom.

• Over 50% of relapses occur within the first 5 weeks of stopping, which is how long it takes the body to get through the physical withdrawal symptoms of ending nicotine. Most of the other 50% of relapses occur within the first 6 months when the cravings remain the strongest (Sherman, 1994).

These facts are from the book “10 Steps To A Smoke Free Life” By Randy A. Gilchrist, Psy. D. courtesy of  www.hypnosisnetwork.com