FAQs
What is the average cost of smoking?
| 1 Pack | 1 + Packs | 2 Packs | 2 + Packs | 3 Packs | 3 + Packs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | $3.34 | $5.01 | $6.68 | $8.35 | $10.02 | $11.69 |
| Week | $23.38 | $35.07 | 46.76 | $58.45 | $70.14 | $81.83 |
| Month | $99.53 | $149.30 | 199.06 | $248.83 | $298.60 | $348.36 |
| Year | $1211.75 | $1817.63 | $2423.50 | $3029.38 | $3635.26 | $4241.13 |
Do you have one-on-one BeSmokeFree Coaching Sessions Available?
Although research indicates that "group-support" in addition to the array of modalities offered in the UM BeSmokeFree Program yield the highest success rates, one-on-one coaching sessions are available to UM employees at no charge. Contact jpinto@med.miami.edu or call (305)243-7606 to schedule an appointment
What should I do when I think about quitting?
- List your reasons for quitting
- Set a target date
- Begin moderate exercise
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat well-balanced meals
What should I do before quitting?
- Smoke a lower-tar/nicotine brand
- Buy one pack at a time
- Limit where you smoke
- Delay lighting up
- Keep cigarettes in a different place
What are 'Stop Smoking Aids'?
- Prescription aids are available FREE-of-charge (at any campus pharmacy) to those who are enrolled in the UM health care plan
- Controlled amounts of nicotine are released into the body by nicotine patches/gum/inhalers
- Aids do not introduce harmful agents, such as those found in tobacco smoke, into the body
- Zyban, a non-nicotine replacement drug, can be helpful in reducing cravings and withdrawal.
- Always work with a doctor when deciding which aid, if any, is best .
How do I cope with stress?
- Adjust your daily routine to avoid smoking triggers
- Trash all cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and matches
- Clear your home and car of smoke odor
- Avoid situations that typically cause you stress
- Keep busy by launching a project or starting a hobby
- Exercise to relieve nervous energy
- Practice deep breathing or other relaxation exercises
What are the new habits I should form?
- During the first few weeks, keep your hands and mouth busy
- Play with crossword puzzles
- Brush your teeth
- Breathe deeply
- Squeeze silly putty
- Chew gum
- Practice a hobby
- Chew straws/coffee stirrers
- Walk
- Write in a journal
How do I launch my smoke-free life?
- Register to particpate in the University of Miami BeSmokeFree Program by calling (305)243-7606 or email jpinto@med.miami.edu
- Ask friends/family/co-workers for support
- Establish a reward method
- Take things one-day at a time
- Call 1-800-4CANCER for free support
- Short-term side effects of quitting:
- The harmful side effects of smoking far outweigh the potential short-term side effects of quitting
- Physiological and psychological side effects are possible
- If what you experience concerns you, call your doctor or 1-800-4CANCER
What do I do if I relapse?
- On average, it takes three attempts before succeeding
- Don't beat yourself up if you slip
- Learn from the mishap
- Reflect upon what triggered you to smoke
- Focus on building a plan to avoid a similar incident
