CCA Employees: Why I Gave Up Lighting Up
Ex-smokers share their motivation, methods for quitting
On November 19, smokers across the country will trade cigarette breaks for a one-day break from cigarettes – or cut back for the day – in recognition of the 2009 Great American Smokeout, a campaign established by the American Cancer Society 33 years ago.
To commemorate this national day, CCA employees are sharing their own stories about kicking the habit.
Click on one of the links below to find out how they did it.
Jacquelyn Banks: Family First
Stephen Dotson: Strength to Survive
Shirley Harbison: Health over Habit
Kevin Myers: Commitment to Change
Tools, Support, Education, Quitting Guides and Action Plans
A quick search of the web results in a number of online resources available to assist in smoking cessation. Take a look at a few we've listed here to see what might work best for you.
Nicotine Anonymous
Smokefree
The Foundation for a Smokefree America
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center
American Heart Association
American Cancer Society Guide to Quitting Smoking
Blue Cross Blue Shield Tobacco Cessation Program
QuitAssist Guide
CCA-Affiliated Resources
Blue Cross Blue Shield Tobacco Cessation Program
Employee Assistance Program – call 800.782.9444 for personal assistance and referral to a counselor.
Definity/United Healthcare members may enroll in the FREE QuitPower Tobacco Cessation Program, including a personal coach, personalized plan, and stop-smoking aids.
For more information, contact Trish Barnard, CCA Senior Director, Employee Benefits at trish.barnard@correctionscorp.com.
Have you given up lighting up? Are you in the process of quitting? Share your story, comments or encouraging words by sounding out.
Sound Out
Chris Ivins at Crossroads:
I am almost at three weeks free from smoking. The best advise I can give is to just quit cold turkey. I tried the patch, pills, and other things, you have to be willing to throw them down and walk away. Good luck to anyone that really wants to quit.
Linda Weatherton at Diamonback:
After almost 35 years of smoking, I am now almost 3 years smoke free. I used Chantix(before any issues with the drug were reported) I was truley lucky with it, as it was a 12 week program, and I only used it for 3 weeks before I had totally lost the desire to smoke. It has been one of the best things I have ever done. To anyone who wants to quit, all I can say is GO FOR IT! Life is so much better without that ball and chain!
Cindy Springer at Diamondback:
After 32 years of smoking my motivation to quit was, without a doubt, the fear of having to fight to breathe. After numerous attempts and products I tried the drug Chantix. After only 4 weeks of use I never wanted another cigarette. I have been smoke free since June 25, 2007. My best advice is that not any one product or thing will work for everyone, keep trying until you find one that does. It is never to late.
Gary at NEOCC:
I smoked 1-2 packs a day for about 10 years. I knew I couldn't quit on my own so I got Chantix. Besides the crazy side effects it helped me quit fast. After only using chantix for 3 weeks I stopped taking the pills and have been smoke free for about 5 months now. I stopped smoking becuase of my new son otherwise I would never quit.Without him i think I would never quit
carmen darrough at silverdale:
I`ve tried so many times to quit I always thought I would gain weight then I would develope health problems