Tips from a smoking "quit coach" on how to kick the habit

Sheryl Melanson is a tobacco treatment specialist, or "quit coach," who works for the Maine Tobacco HelpLine. She takes telephone calls from smokers when they seek help to quit smoking. Here's some of the tips and questions she asks callers:

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Readiness

Are you ready to quit? Begin by asking why and when you smoke.

Listen to the quit coach (MP3)

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What's your trigger?

Time of day can influence your behavior. If you smoke to manage stress, are there other ways that you could deal with it?

Listen to the quit coach (MP3)

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Smoking substitutes

Consider an oral substitute, a distraction, or a nicotine patch.

Listen to the quit coach (MP3)

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Set a Quit Date

If you're ready to quit, then consider setting a date to stop smoking. If you're not quite ready, try setting a "mini quit" date, where you scale back or give quitting a try.

Listen to the quit coach (MP3)

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Have a plan

What will you do when your reserves are low? Set a plan for this, and don't give up.

Listen to the quit coach (MP3)

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More information

In Maine, call a quit coach at: 1-800-207-1230. Or visit www.tobaccofreemaine.org to learn more.

In Massachusetts, call 1-800-879-8678 or 1-800-943-8284 (24 hours), or visit www.trytostop.org

By Jenna Russell and Ed Medina, Globe Staff