In honor of Tobacco Awareness Month, the CADS team is joining the Great American Smokeout. This event is held on the third Thursday in November to mark the start towards a smoke-free life.  

According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States alone, about 34 million adults still smoke cigarettes. “Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world” causing about 1 in 5 deaths. Though the rates of cigarette smoking have decreased over time, minority groups (i.e. LGBTQ+, Native Americans/Alaska Natives, and African American communities) suffer disproportionately from smoking-related cancer and other diseases. 

Regardless of your age or how long you’ve smoked, quitting drastically improves your overall health. At CADS, we understand how difficult it is to quit smoking. Here are a few reasons why you should quit today: 

• Quitting smoking lowers your risk of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. 

• Quitting smoking can add up to 10 years onto your life. 

• You can save thousands of dollars per year. 

• Food will taste better. 

• You will be less out of breath doing everyday activities (such as walking up the stairs). 

• Quitting will stop the harmful effects of tobacco on how you look (I.e. premature wrinkles, gum disease, and even tooth loss). 

For more information and reasons to quit smoking visit the American Cancer Society. 

If you have a loved one who is trying to quit smoking, here are a few tips to help you support their journey:  

• Understand and respect that the person who is trying to quit is in charge of their own journey. 

• Make your home smoke free to guests and residents. 

• Remove all lighters, ashtrays, and paraphernalia from your home. 

• If someone relapses while trying to quit, don’t scold or berate them. Instead, continue to offer support and encouragement. Remind them of why they wanted to quit. 

Quitting an addictive habit is difficult. Our qualified team is here to help you or a loved one through every step of your journey towards a happier, healthier life. View our services and resources to find the help you need to live smoke-free. 

Join the Great American Smokeout. Let the start of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 18th be the day you finally kick tobacco to the curb. Contact us for help quitting smoking today!