Now that you have made the decision to quit using tobacco, it's now time to get started.  The first step it to:

• Set a quit date
  within two week from now, choose a weekday less stressful, and mark your calendar - i.e., anniversary date to remember for years to come.

• Keep a smoking diary for a few days
  write down why and when you smoke, as well as what you are feeling every time you light up.

• Delay
  the urge, deep breathe, drink water, do something else (the 4 D's).  Most urges last three to five minutes.

Ready to quit now?

Getting ready to quit tobacco use includes breaking normal routines, knowing why you smoke, and why you want to quit.

Here are a few suggestions to help you break your smoking routines:

1. Place cigarettes in a difficult place, like in the garage or on top of your refrigerator.

2. Smoke with the opposite hand, will make it awkward to smoke again.

3. Delay smoking five minutes beyond the urge, decreases your urge.

4. Switch to a brand you dislike, to help you think about tobacco as an unpleasant habit.

5. Begin to cut down the number of cigarettes/cigars you smoke each day. This is called tapering, and can help you get ready to quit.

6. Get rid of all your paraphernalia, such as ashtrays, lighters, and pipes.