Becoming a Non-Smoker

Becoming a non-smoker is a difficult task.  A journey that will have many bumps in the road, but you can do it.  You must have the will power to do it for yourself, and the support of others to make this lifestyle change.

The links on the left of the page offer you different types of smoking cessation the Coalition supports.

What are the benefits of becoming a non-smoker? 

Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years:

• 20 Minutes After Quitting
  Your heart rate drops.
• 12 hours After Quitting
  Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• 2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting
  Your heart attack risk begins to drop.
  Your lung function begins to improve.
• 1 to 9 Months After Quitting
  Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
• 1 Year After Quitting
  Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
• 5 Years After Quitting
  Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker’s 5-15 years after quitting.
• 10 Years After Quitting
  Your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker’s.
  Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.
• 15 Years After Quitting
  Your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker’s.

Source: American Cancer Society