TALLAHASSEE — Many people make New Year’s resolutions to accomplish personal goals, but some resolutions do not always go according to plan. In fact, by the second week of February, about four out of five resolutions fail.

Quitting tobacco is no different, and quitting for good may require several attempts.

Tobacco Free Florida is encouraging those who have had unsuccessful quit attempts to try again using the program’s free and proven-effective quit tools and services.

Slip-ups and relapses are common among people trying to quit smoking.

A slip is having one or two cigarettes after you quit. A relapse means going back to smoking regularly.

While most slips or relapses occur within the first three months after quitting, they can happen anytime.

“Smokers can and do quit smoking. In fact, there are more former smokers in Florida than there are current smokers,” said Laura Corbin, Bureau Chief of Tobacco Free Florida. “The past year has shown us how important it is to protect our overall health, and quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your loved ones. We encourage those who have had a slip-up to try again with free help from Tobacco Free Florida.”

Creating a quit plan and using proven-effective resources, like Tobacco Free Florida, can significantly increase your chances of quitting for good.

Quit smoking medications, such as nicotine replacement therapy, help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cigarette cravings. These medications can also double your chances of quitting for good.

Counseling and medication are also both effective to help you quit smoking and using them together is more effective than using either one alone.

Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program offers free Phone Quit, Group Quit and Web Quit services, in addition to individual tools like text support, a Quit Guide and helpful emails. In February 2020, Tobacco Free Florida began offering its Group Quit tobacco cessation sessions online. These virtual sessions are led by a trained specialist that provides support and guidance to help you quit smoking. Group participants may receive free nicotine replacement therapy – nicotine patches, gum or lozenges – if tobacco users are 18 or older and medically appropriate.

For more information, please visit tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.

About Tobacco Free Florida
The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida campaign is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Since the program began in 2007, more than 254,000 Floridians have successfully quit using one of Tobacco Free Florida’s free tools and services. There are now approximately 451,000 fewer adult smokers in Florida than there was 10 years ago, and the state has saved $17.7 billion in health care costs.[12] To learn more about Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way services, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tobaccofreefla.