Teens Battle With Quitting Smoking

by Tim Emerson
2.22.08

Smokers who wish to discontinue their habit have a new hope when it comes to support. A new line of tobacco quitting products was released to pharmacies in Nebraska this year. Medications such as Chantix and Zyban are taking the state by the stampede.

“These medications actually work,” Tobacco Free Nebraska representative Judy Martin said.

Some students attempt to stop smoking on their own. 

“Nicotine patches help but you have to have the willpower,” senior Kyle Steffen said. “You have to want to quit.”

Other students decide not to use quitting products.

“Most students who do this usually end up smoking again when the feel an urge to,” junior Ali Ingram said. “I quit smoking about three months after I started, and it was tough, I didn’t think I would make it. Some people think smoking is just a cool thing, but to some people it’s a way to get over stressful situations, and once you go up, you can’t come down.”

Several support groups have been established in the Omaha area. Alegent Health sponsors programs for adults and teens. One of their most successful groups is 2 Quit. 

“Our meetings are mostly for adults, and we have eight sessions that are about 30-45 minutes over a seven week period,” tobacco support groups coordinator Tim Grollmes said.

These classes have over a 55 percent rate of efficiency.

“These classes are recommended for all people who are intending to quit smoking completely,” Grollmes said.

Schools are also offering quit programs, but most can only run for so long.

“We’ve had a program through UNMC. They found students who did smoke and helped them quit,” school nurse Sandy Volquartsen said.

photo illustration by Tim Emerson