We know that addressing smoking behaviors is difficult, but it is necessary to save Black lives. Members of our community smoke for many reasons, including big tobacco’s marketing of menthol cigarettes to our community and to deal with stress. There is no one solution to solve this problem of smoking, but if we can provide nonjudgmental loving support to each other and take advantage of available resources, we can work towards creating a smoke-free Jackson.
HOW TO REDUCE SMOKING USING NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a medicine that provides you with a low level of nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It can help reduce unpleasant withdrawal effects, such as bad moods and cravings, which may occur when you stop smoking.
The FDA has approved five forms of NRT: the patch, gum, inhaler, nasal spray, and lozenge. Patches, gum, and lozenges are available over the counter. Inhalers and sprays require a prescription. Learn more about Nicotine Replacement Therapy on the American Cancer Society website.
Evidence shows that any medication is most effective if used alongside support from a smoking cessation counselor. The best treatment for you will depend on your lifestyle, your age, whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and any medical conditions you have. We encourage you to speak to your primary care provider to find the best treatment for you.
Tips for Using NRTs
How to Use Nicotine Gum to Quit Smoking
This video offers step-by-step instructions on how to use nicotine gum by itself.
Nicotine gum can be used every two hours by itself to control withdrawal symptoms, or it may be used as needed for stronger cravings when used in combination with nicotine patches.
How to Use a Nicotine Patch to Quit Smoking
The nicotine patch is an FDA-approved medicine that can help people quit smoking. It can be used daily by itself to control withdrawal symptoms, or it may be used with nicotine gum or lozenge which are taken as needed for strong cravings. This video offers step-by-step instructions on how to use the nicotine patch by itself.
How to Use a Nicotine Lozenge to Quit Smoking
This video offers step-by-step instructions on how to use the nicotine lozenge by itself.
Nicotine lozenges can be used every 1-2 hours to control withdrawal symptoms (up to 20 pieces per day), or as needed for stronger cravings when used in combination with nicotine patches.
“How I Quit Smoking”: CDC Tips from Former Smoker Tiffany R.
Tiffany had a strong, emotional reason to quit smoking: at age 16, she lost her mother to lung cancer.
In this video from CDC’s Tips From Former Smokers campaign, Tiffany talks about how the changes she made helped her successfully quit smoking for good.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU DEAL WITH STRESS
Racism and discrimination are constant sources of stress for many Black people. In 2019, the majority of Black people said they had personally been discriminated against because of their race. This discrimination leads to more Black people smoking to cope with this stress and can also make it harder to quit.
When you experience severe or long-lasting forms of stress, your body responds by raising stress hormones and keeping them raised. When this goes on for a long time, you may develop health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. Smoking only makes your health conditions work.
We offer these resources to help you deal with stress and reduce your tobacco use.
Hinds Behavior Services Mobile Crisis Response Team
These mental health professionals provide face-to-face intervention for Hinds County residents in psychiatric and/or mental health crises. The Mobile Crisis Response Team is available 24/7, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
Digital resources to deal with stress
A University of Texas webpage containing links to apps, chatbots, and webinars.
Mental Health Warm Line
601-586-3073 or 866-300-7948
The City of Jackson Mental Health Warm Line is staffed with licensed clinical social workers from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These professionals are trained to assess the mental health concerns of citizens and connect callers to mental health providers.