Smoking: Choosing a Good Time to Quit

Smoking: Choosing a Good Time to Quit

British Columbia Specific Information

The BC Smoking Cessation Program helps eligible B.C. residents stop smoking or using other tobacco products by assisting with the cost of smoking cessation prescription drugs or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products. For more information about the program, including how to get started, visit BC Smoking Cessation Program. For information about the health risks from smoking, tips on how to quit, an overview of smoking cessation aids, and more, see our Quit Smoking health feature. For more tools and resources to help you quit smoking and remain smoke-free, visit Quit Now.

Overview

Your attempt to quit is more likely to succeed if you pick a good time. Anytime that you can focus your energy and attention on your goal of quitting tobacco is a good time to quit. This could include:

  • Today, if you're motivated.
  • On a special day, such as your birthday, New Year's Day, or the first day of a holiday.
  • When you are ill or having a troublesome tobacco-related symptom.
  • When a friend or relative is quitting.

Harder times to quit may include:

  • High-stress times.
  • Times when you feel low or depressed.
  • After a serious loss or difficult life change, such as the death of someone close or a stressful move.

If your life is hectic, you may feel that there will never be a good time to quit. In that case, pick a time to quit. Then do what you can to make your life less stressful or busy than it usually is. Be aware that if you wait for a "perfect" time to quit, you may keep putting off the decision for years.

Credits

Current as of: March 22, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health