Many of the teens are reluctant to talk at first, so we make sure they know this is a safe place to call and that we don't report individual calls to anyone. Teen counselor Phoebe Trombley is an ex-smoker. I hated smelling like smoke and I hated waking up feeling like I had a brick on my chest. Trombley talks to teens who began smoking at a young age and now want to quit. A desire to excel in sports is one big reason, another is pressure from a boyfriend or girlfriend who finds the smell of smoke disgusting.
Some teens are worried about yellow teeth and wrinkles.
Others are going off college soon and want to start a new chapter of their lives as healthy young adults. Just like adults, many teens need help when it comes to quitting. Going cold turkey is really hard, but it's not the only solution. Other options are to gradually cut down, use the buddy system and quit with a friend, join a support groups or class, or use a nicotine patch or gum. A counselor can explain how smoking relates to other issues and how to work through problems without tobacco, according to Trombley.