The ALA sponsors an excellent program called Freedom From Smoking. It is a highly structured program that focuses on behavioral change. Its underlying premise is that smoking is a learned habit that must be unlearned. It is also a cold-turkey program. You are expected to quit completely, soon after the program begins. You should be ready to make the commitment before you start this type of plan.

Freedom From Smoking usually includes seven sessions that stretch over seven weeks. Each session takes about two hours. The first few are scheduled at weekly intervals. The third is called Quit Night and all participants are expected to have quit smoking by that time. Within forty-eight hours of Quit Night, another session is held to help participants through the roughest days. Then one session is held in each of the following two weeks, followed by a two-week interval and the last session. Each session typically includes some opening words by the group leader, and then the participants break up into discussion groups.

Sessions focus on how to quit. There is not a lot of time spent talking about the dangers of smoking. Various helpful techniques are discussed. The program is designed so that smokers can help each other quit. Group interaction is considered a very important part of the program.

The Freedom From Smoking program is not meant for half-hearted participants. The group leader tries to discourage smokers who are not truly motivated to quit. It is thought that participants who are not ready can demoralize others in the group.

The program currently costs less than $100. The fee is considered a sign of your commitment to quit.

How successful is the program? A survey revealed that one in five participants was free from cigarettes at one year. Many of those who failed had been unable to quit even during the seven weeks of the program. Of the smokers who quit during the program, the ALA says that almost four in ten were able to stay away from cigarettes in the following year.

Freedom From Smoking is an excellent program, offered throughout the United States, for a motivated smoker who responds well to group situations. It was designed and organized by professionals and seeks to help you heIr yourself. It applies most of the proven methods mentioned in this website.

Tagged under:cigarettes eight hours freedom from smoking group interaction group leader habit last session smokers Smoking turkey program

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