In addition to having an increased risk for lung cancer, lung disease, and heart disease, smokers get sick more frequently, have less energy, have a diminished sense of taste and smell, and get wrinkles sooner than nonsmokers. Nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug that keeps some smokers hooked for life. The longer someone smokes, the harder it is to quit. Today there is more pressure to quit smoking than ever. Smokers' reasons for quitting vary.
Many people stop smoking after seeing someone they care about become ill from smoking.
Some quit to be better examples for their children. Others give up smoking to save money. But most smokers quit for health reasons. If you're truly ready, health professionals at Kaiser Permanente can help. Tapering the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day, or gradually postponing your first cigarette of the day, can help you prepare for your quit date.