Profile: Who's Quitting Tobacco?

Quitting tobacco is a personal decision that sometimes feels like an overwhelming private battle. But you are truly not alone. If you use tobacco and want to quit, you're in good company.

• Two out of three people on active duty who smoke tried to quit in the past year.
• Fewer military personnel are smoking heavily-down from 13.1 percent of all service members in 2002 to 11 percent in 2005. Heavy smoking has notably decreased in the Navy (from 13.3 percent to 9.9 percent) and Air Force (from 10.4 percent to 7 percent).
• More than 23 percent of current smokers in the military plan to quit within the next month, and 40 percent more plan to quit within the next 6 months.




Civilians are making progress, too:


• In 2005, an estimated 42.5 percent (19.2 million) of adult smokers in the United States had attempted to quit in the past year.
• In each State, the proportion of smokers trying to quit was between 40 to 60 percent.
• Since 2002, more than half of Americans who have ever smoked have quit smoking.

So, if you're one of the millions trying to quit, know that you're not alone. Take advantage of the quit programs and resources that are there to help you. Find a quit program in your area, and use our Live Help to chat online with a Cessation Coach.

In addition, get connected with others like you who are trying to quit tobacco. Check out our message board to hear from other servicemen and servicewomen who are trying to quit and to post your own story. Sharing your successes, challenges, and encouragement with someone else facing the same hurdles can give you extra motivation. Like you learned in basic training, we can often accomplish together what we can't do alone.