Local Resource To Help Those Trying To Quit Smoking

22 percent of Americans have chosen “giving up smoking” as a New Years Resolution.

Quit For Life Smoking Cessation Facilitator Randy Todd smoked for 20 years. Todd said quitting smoking ranked as the hardest thing he has ever done.

“Quitting it takes skill and knowledge, it’s like trying to learn how to drive,” Todd said. “It’s very difficult to, you don’t know how to quit because you don’t know what to do and what not to do. You come to class and we teach you what to do and what not to do in order to be successful. We give you the knowledge and that gives you the power over the addiction.”

Todd said addiction to nicotine remains a prevalent problem in our area. The Quit for Life classes have been going on since 1992, in an effort to help. Classes take place every Thursday from 6-7pm at the Cookeville Regional Cafeteria Room.

Todd said unlike many resolutions, giving up the nicotine habit can be too difficult to do on your own. He said many forms of help are available. Todd said the class changed his life.

“I had tried everything and couldn’t do it,” Todd said. “I heard about this program and they opened up to the public and I showed up. Through the graces of god, I was able to quit.”

Todd said giving back to others is the driving force behind the class and that help is always there.

“I’ve been quit for about a year and I thought you know this is wonderful,” Todd said. “At the same time I got word that the hospital was going to start the class again and I’ve been there ever since.”

The program uses the resources of the American Lung Association to help residents.