Kick the tobacco habit for free

New Yorkers with New Year’s resolutions to quit smoking can succeed for free with the help of the Internet; no patches, gum or yoga class necessary.
The American Lung Association (ALA), the leading organization in preventing lung disease, is offering its online program, “Freedom From Smoking,” to those looking to start 2011 smoke-free.
“While every day is a great day to quit smoking, we are well aware that many New Yorkers look to the New Year as the time they’d like to officially set their quit date,” said Scott T. Santarella, president and chief executive officer of the ALA in New York. “By signing up for our Freedom From Smoking online program or reaching out to one of our cessation specialists at our Lung Helpline, smokers can get the help they need to become smoke-free.”
The basic online program is free and is accessible at ffsonline.org. It enables smokers to quit at their own pace without having to visit a clinic. It consists of seven modules, each containing several activities to help put a stop to an individual’s smoking habit.
Though the basic program is free, the web site offers a premium membership as well. A premium membership includes an in-depth quit smoking program, downloadable relaxation exercises, access to an online support community and other resources to help smokers quit for good, according to the ALA. Three month memberships are available for $15 and one year memberships are available for $40.
The program was modeled after the ALA successful Freedom From Smoking clinics. The ALA also offers the Lung Helpline, which is reachable at 1-800-548-8252 or by calling 1-800-LUNG-USA. The call center is staffed with registered nurses and respiratory therapists trained to answer questions about lung health and offer guidance regarding smoking cessation.
The ALA does not provide statistics indicating how successful their programs are, however, The Freedom From Smoking online program is another alternative for those who have failed in previous attempts to quit smoking or who need help remaining smoke-free.
More than 25,000 New Yorkers die as a result of their own smoking each year but the benefits from quitting smoking can start almost immediately, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A smoker’s heart rate drops to a normal level 20 minutes after quitting and after one year, the added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“The most important thing smokers need to know is that they can succeed,” said Santarella. “It sometimes takes several attempts to quit but it’s important to not be discouraged. Quitting smoking can save your life.”