Although relapse rates are most common in the first few weeks or months after quitting, people who stop smoking for 3 months are often able to remain cigarette-free for the rest of their lives. A number of organizations provide information and materials about where to find help to stop smoking. State and local health agencies often have information about community smoking cessation programs. Several of NIH s Institutes provide information on the harmful effects of smoking. The NIDA Infofax service offers drug abuse and addiction information in English and Spanish.
Users can receive fact sheets by fax or mail, or listen to recorded messages.
The Office on Smoking and Health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distributes pamphlets, posters, scientific reports, and public service announcements about smoking, and maintains a bibliographic database of smoking and health-related materials. The Office of the Surgeon General has information about techniques being used to treat tobacco use and dependence. The Office of the Surgeon General s Web site has press releases, documents, and other information on tobacco use and cessation. The ACS also sponsors a smoking cessation clinic called FreshStart, which is available in most of the United States. It also offers brochures on smoking cessation and the relationship between smoking and heart disease.