Reasons Why Different People Might Want to Quit

Reasons for Any User to Quit

• Avoid tobacco-related illness (e.g., certain forms of cancer, cardiac disease)
• Save a lot of money by quitting; for example, a pack-a-day smoker who quits will save annually around $1,380 to $2,710, depending on residence (Lindblom and Boom 2010).
• Feel much better
• Improve physical and athletic performance
• Live a healthier life; live long enough to enjoy retirement, grandchildren, etc.
• Be more likely to work successfully, have fewer illnesses
• Eliminate the smell of cigarettes on body, clothes, car, and home
• Enjoy the taste of food more
• Improve one's sense of smell
• Decrease the following:
• chronic sore mouth/sore throat
• hacking cough
• rough, deepened voice
• shortness of breath
• periodontal disease
• white patches in the mouth that may be precancerous
• bad breath
• stained, hairy tongue
• stained teeth and fillings
• eroded teeth and cavities (for users of certain forms of smokeless tobacco)
• gum recession (smokeless tobacco)
• impotency
• infertility
• stained fingers
• wrinkling/aging of skin
• Feel better about yourself
• Stop worrying about quitting
• Set a good example for children

Reasons for Teenagers to Quit

• Show that you are not easily manipulated by misleading advertising
• Feel free of fear of being caught by parents
• Independence; behavior is not controlled by nicotine
• Improve appearance, which may make it easier to get a job and/or become more attractive
• Prevent bad breath

Reasons for Pregnant Women to Quit

• Decrease the risk of spontaneous abortion and fetal death
• Decrease the risk of having a low birth-weight baby.
• Decrease the risk of maternal complications
• Decrease health problems and developmental problems in babies and children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy

Reasons for Women to Quit

• Decrease the risk of heart attack
• Decrease the risk of developing lung cancer
• Increase the rate at which carcinogens break down
• Reduce health risks that occur with the interaction of birth control pills
• Avoid early menopause and infertility
• Decrease the severity of osteoporosis
• Prevent premature wrinkling

Reasons for Parents to Quit

• Have healthier babies and children, for example:
• Decreased coughing and fewer respiratory illnesses in children
• Decreased ear infections in children
• Lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome
• Become a better role model for children
• Children of nonsmokers less likely to smoke

Reasons for Future Parents to Quit

• Reduce the risk of impotence
• Increase the chances to conceive
• Decrease poor reproductive outcomes (future problems for children)

Reasons for New Users to Quit

• Quit while it is easier, before habit becomes stronger
• Be more socially acceptable
• Make life less complicated without the distraction and mess

Reasons for Long-Term Users to Quit

• Decrease the risk over time of heart disease, lung disease, and cancer
• Reduce damage to pulmonary function
• Improve physical performance
• Improve ability to taste, smell, and feel well
• Increase the chances of recovering years of invested social security payments

Reasons for Those With a Family History of Cancer or Heart Disease to Quit

• Inherited risk of developing cancer or heart disease increases even further by smoking

Reasons for Asymptomatic Adults to Quit

• Significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, emphysema, and lung cancer
• Have a longer life span
• Save cost of tobacco products
• Save cost of sick leave
• Save cost of health services
• Reduce bad breath
• Become more socially acceptable
• Have fewer wrinkles and avoid looking older than you are
• Reduce health risks to family, friends, and coworkers

Reasons for Symptomatic Adults to Quit

• Reduce upper respiratory infections and cough
• Clear up sore throat or mouth
• Stop progressive shortness of breath
• Reduce the aggravation of ulcers
• Lower the risk and frequency of chest pains
• Reduce circulation problems
• Stop progressive weakening and thinning of bones
• Reduce or eliminate painful swallowing
• Eliminate gum disease
• Reduce and avoid costly health services

References:

Lindblom E, Boom A. Immediate Smoker Savings From Quitting in Each State. Tobacco Free Kids Website. 2010.