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How can I as a manager help?
- Educate yourself, non-smokers and smokers on the nature of tobacco addiction, the process of quitting, what to expect from someone trying to quit, how to help smokers quit, and resources available to support quitting.
- Encourage use of LIVE FOR LIFE cessation programs and resources
- Promote Quit Teams to encourage quitting.
- Create an inclusive, supportive environment for quitting
- Reward quitters and those supporting them
- Show empathy and understanding of the difficult process
- Recruit and train former smokers to promote programs and assist quitters
What resources are available to managers to assist in tobacco cessation education?
Visit the Resources page for additional free resources including Spanish language information, smokeless tobacco resources, Duke resources and State and Federal resources.
Remember that all tobacco cessation support programs (classes, counseling, on-line help, stop smoking kit) through LIVE for LIFE are at no cost if the employee is
eligible for Duke benefits. Also those using a Duke health plan are eligible for the above mentioned support programs as well as, waived co-pays on pharmaceutical treatment
and free nicotine replacement therapies (patch, gum & lozenge) as is their dependents covered by their Duke health plan.
How do people typically become smokers?
- Tobacco initiation occurs primarily during adolescence: almost all adult daily smokers have tried cigarettes before age 18.
- Latest data shows that almost 25% of 12th graders in NC report smoking in the prior 30 days
- Adolescents (13-18) and young adults (18-24) are susceptible to cultural influences, including family, friends, peers, media, community, and tobacco marketing influence.
- Takes one pack to become "hooked."
Why do smokers continue to smoke when they know it is ruining their health?
Some common reasons include:
- Addictions create irrational thoughts and actions
- Nicotine highly addictive, pleasurable, useful (helps with concentration, memory)
- Primary coping mechanism for a variety of situations and challenges
- A social activity
- Habit is too hard to break and quitting is easy to put off
How might adult smokers feel about smoking?
Some commonly reported feelings and beliefs include:
- Ambivalence: while 70+% say they want to quit many fewer may try in a given year
- Tobacco use is is part of their life and whether they may be aware of it or not, their days revolve around smoking or chewing tobacco
- Tobacco use is is part of who they are
- Tobacco use is is a choice (even if they feel addicted)
- Tobacco use is is dangerous but not an imminent threat
- Tobacco use is restrictions make many smokers feel like outcasts
- Shame that they cannot control their behavior
- Guilt about harming others with second-hand smoke
- Unaware of the dangers of second-hand smoke
How do tobacco users feel about quitting?
Frequent responses include:
- Fear of the quitting process. Even those who really want to quit can be deeply afraid of the process of quitting. Many are concerned about how they may act towards others at home
and on the job during the withdrawal period. The first few days and weeks after quitting are the hardest. Intense cravings, depression, irritability, headaches and agitation are just some of
the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. Gradual reduction of nicotine through nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine fading through brand switching, and using prescription drugs
like CHANTIX and Zyban can reduce the symptoms and cravings.
- Fear of losing a ready coping mechanism and "friend." Those who use tobacco may not have many other strategies or skills to get through tough times.
- Unaware of proven cessation methods or treatments, or use them improperly.
- Reluctant to use programs: Even those who know about programs may not use them. As few as 10% may take advantage of a worksite-based smoking cessation program.
- May feel they should be able to do it on their own, and don't want to use proven methods.
- Reluctant to give up the pleasures of of tobacco use and the company of other users.
- May not feel confident that they can quit or stay quit.
- May not want to tell others they are trying to quit because they may let them down if they don't succeed.
- Most do not want to be nagged or policed, or told not to smoke or chew tobacco.
- Most do not feel understood by those who have not used tobacco or have never had to quit.
- May share a household with other tobacco users and feel they are unable to quit in that situation.
- May feel guilt or shame because they think that no one in their work situation knows they use tobacco.
What if I have additional questions about the smoking cessation services offered through LIVE FOR LIFE?
For more information or to sign up for any of the smoking cessation program options visit
the Tobacco Cessation Programs web site or call LIVE FOR LIFE at 684-3136, option 3
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