Cigarette smokers in Central New York and across the state might have a better chance at quitting than other parts of the country, thanks to robust cessation resources. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to kick the habit. The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control bears that out.
The CDC says of the half of American smokers who tried to quit cigarettes in 2022, fewer than one in ten were successful. Tony Astran is communications manager with the New York State Quitline.
“It does take for most people, many attempts to get it right. But every year tens of thousands do make it work," Astran said. "Obviously the smoking prevalence continues to drop both statewide and nationally. I think the report s affirms that there's more work that needs to be done.”
The CDC report also shows fewer than 40 percent used counseling or medication to try to quit. Astran says resources vary widely bystate, but having more options increases the chances of success.
“It's not just calling the quit line and talking to a coach, developing the plan, getting your free supply," Astran said. "It's also reaching out to your healthcare professional. They may have additional supply of stop smoking medication. They will encourage you, they will root you on.”
Astran says while New Yorkers tend to have more success at quitting, there are about a dozen states in the southeast that have higher tobacco usage and poorer health outcomes.
“These states tend to have much less taxes on the products, much less access to cessation services," Astran said. "They're not promoting their quit lines quite as heavily or don't have as many stop smoking medications to offer. It really does go hand in hand.”
Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable disease and death. Astran says 30,000 New Yorkers every year die from smoking related illness.
