Statistics show that only 5% of the estimated 15 million smokers who try to quit each year actually succeed. Why? The nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive. Many people who use tobacco want to quit, but find that without help, overcoming their dependence on tobacco and addiction to nicotine is extremely difficult.
At Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH), we are eager to help you quit tobacco and help you to successfully overcome nicotine addiction because tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of chemicals, many of which cause cancer. Smoking increases risks for other serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and puts unborn children at risk for low birth weight when a woman smokes during pregnancy.
No matter how long you’ve been a tobacco user, you are never too old to quit. You should also know that chewing/spitting tobacco, electronic cigarettes (vaping), using a hookah, pipes, and cigars are not safe alternatives to smoking cigarettes.
CMH is a totally tobacco-free campus. Patients are strongly encouraged to use nicotine-replacement therapies while at CMH. Using tobacco can slow down the healing process following surgery.
Ask your surgeon or nurse about help quitting while you’re at the hospital.
We offer one-on-one tobacco cessation counseling in a nonjudgmental and supportive environment. Our certified tobacco treatment specialist will work with your primary care provider to provide counseling and prescription support that will give you the best chances of succeeding in quitting. Most health insurance plans will cover the cost of meeting with a certified tobacco treatment specialist.
Tobacco cessation appointments are available Monday-Friday and are billable to most insurance. Call 503-338-7564 for more information and/or to schedule an appointment.
If you or someone you know wants to quit tobacco use or you want more educational materials or resources about tobacco cessation, do not hesitate to contact the CMH certified tobacco treatment specialist and tobacco cessation coordinator.
