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Quitting smoking is tough. It’s never, ever easy! But quitting becomes less miserable when you have someone positive helping you along the way.

These are the sentiments of Cassandra Johnson, who recently quit smoking with the help of the cessation program at the Garrett County Health Department.

“This was a completely different and successful journey to quit smoking than it was before when I tried to quit alone,” Johnson said. “Being able to share my hardships and verbalize my thoughts, feeling, and frustrations in a person to person venue really helped. Verbalizing them to another individual made it possible to come up with ways to solve (them) and made quitting challenges easier.”

“Our cessation program makes nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches and lozenges available to participates free for charge,” said Sharon Custer, Tobacco Treatment Specialist at the Health Department. “Clients use these aids to help take the edge off their cravings.”

The Health Department currently does not have in-person classes scheduled, but staff is available to work with you by phone, and can provide access to cessation aids at your local pharmacy.  Call 301-501-8574 to learn more. 

“Discussing things with my Coach helped me to tune in to my body’s withdrawal reactions,” Johnson said. “And, over time, I actually learned that my brain would even tell me when I needed less NRT.”

Another tool available to participants is a notebook filled with helpful information and places for them to record their own observations and tips they can look back on later when they need help.

“By participating in the cessation program, I no longer suffered internal angry thoughts about quitting,” Johnson said. “I was assisted in a way that directed my thoughts to the positive things about living a smoke-free life.”

“Quitting this time has bolstered my self-esteem,” Johnson added. “I now know I can accomplish anything. I feel so much healthier now and look forward to adding a healthier diet and activities to my life and those around me.”

For more information about how the Garrett County Health Department can help you quit smoking, vaping, or using smokeless tobacco call 301-501-8574. In addition, the MD Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW is available at any time. Phone counseling, cessation aids, and the Maryland Tobacco Quitline are funded by the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Program.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

John Corbin (BS, CPT, MCPT, CSNC)

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