American Lung Association Offers Class for Smokers Looking to Quit

For smokers—especially those who have tried to quit before— group support can make the difference in becoming and staying smoke-free.

COLUMBUS, OH (09/08/2009)(readMedia)-- Smokers looking for a group class to help them kick the nicotine habit can attend the American Lung Association's next 8-week Freedom From Smoking group clinic. Starting this month and ending in November, the clinic will be held at the Lung Association's Columbus office located at 1950 Arlingate Lane. The cost for the program is $95. All sessions will from run from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Specific session dates are:

  • Session 1: Monday, September 28
  • Session 2: Monday, October 5
  • Session 3: Monday, October 12
  • Session 4: Monday, October 19
  • Session 5: Wednesday, October 21
  • Session 6: Monday, October 26
  • Session 7: Monday, November 2
  • Session 8: Monday, November 9

While an 8-week commitment may sound like a lot of time, research has proven that the more time a smoker spends in a supportive situation, the more likely he or she is to succeed at quitting.

The eight sessions are led by an expert who understands how hard it is for smokers to quit. Special attention is given to developing a quitting strategy, dealing with recovery symptoms, controlling weight, managing stress through relaxation, assertiveness techniques, proper use of smoking cessation medications and staying off cigarettes.

The American Lung Association says most people now know smoking is bad for your health and bad for your pocketbook. According to Lung Association, brand-name smokes currently cost Ohioans up to $50 a carton.

Anyone who would like to attend the stop-smoking class can sign up by phone, mail or website. By phone, call 614-279-1700 or 800-232-5864. By mail, send name, address and check (payable to the ALA) to 1950 Arlingate Lane, Columbus OH 43228. On-line, go to www.ohiolung.org and follow the link to the Freedom From Smoking Columbus class.

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