The American Heart Association points out that about 48 million
Americans smoke but that most are actively trying to give it up,
stresses the article.
The Heart Association also notes that since
1965, more than 40 percent of all adults who have ever smoked have
quit, but most must accomplish that goal using some sort of behavior
modification program or other cessation tools or techniques, adding
that less than 8 percent of those who’ve tried to quit without use of
such methods have succeeded.
The article also notes other reasons for an individual suddenly wanting
to quit smoking. Most are either health-related or
family-related, notes the article, like the birth of a child or
grandchild.
Beth Brooks, a nurse and former smoker who now teaches smoking
cessation classes, noted that the first seventy-two hours are the most
difficult for those hoping to kick the habit, no matter what time of
year. “For the first 72 hours after quitting,” she said, “people
typically have six cravings for nicotine a day.” After that period, she
added, the cravings "drop off dramatically to one craving a day."
Brooks also noted that it’s often harder to get off nicotine than it is
hard substances, such as heroine or cocaine, because of the properties
of nicotine. “Nicotine,” she said, “is a drug that gives people
energy at the same time it calms them down. So it’s the perfect drug,
except it’s going to kill you."
