That was step one for Linda Youngblood, a free-lance decorator from Cabarrus County and one of Robinson's patients. She hasn't had a cigarette since Feb. 28, 1997. Depression had been a barrier when she had tried to quit before. This time, she took Zyban, the antidepressant, and nicotine patches when she threw away the cigarettes. Ask friends and family members, even those who are still smoking, to encourage you to abstain when you feel the urge to smoke.
Support is often a crucial element of a successful stop-smoking program.
The letters assured Youngblood that the family was behind her and acknowledged how difficult her struggle was. She read and reread the letters for months after she quit. Jan. 1 may be a bad day to quit if you're recovering from a hangover or eating and watching football all day. Pick a quit date when you'll be busy and active. Earlier this year, Kim Garcia of Concord quit smoking - and promptly went on a trip to Las Vegas, arguably the smoking and drinking capital of the country.