Would you like to stop using tobacco? Are you ready now? Are you not quite ready, but interested in talking about it?
Prairie Ridge will occasionally hold a 6 week Tobacco Cessation class held Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This program was developed by staff trained as tobacco treatment specialists through the Mayo Clinic. The class will help participants develop a quit plan and a relapse prevention plan. If you have already quit but are struggling, if you have tapered back but haven't quit totally, or if you haven't made any changes but want to, this class if appropriate for you.
The cost is $150 with full payment required at the time of registration. You can register at Prairie Ridge by calling (641) 424-2391. Space is limited so register early.
Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence
Please fill this out if you use cigarettes, cigars or a tobacco pipe.
1. How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette?
* Within 5 minutes (3)
* 6-30 minutes (2)
* 31-60 minutes (1)
* After 60 minutes (0)
2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden?
* Yes (1)
* No (0)
3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up?
* The first in the morning (1)
* Any other (0)
4. How many cigarettes per day do you smoke?
* 31 or more (3)
* 21-30 (2)
* 11-20 (1)
* 10 or less (0)
5. Do you smoke more frequently during the first hours after awakening than during the rest of the day?
* Yes (1)
* No (0)
6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?
* Yes (1)
* No (0)
Please fill this out if you use smokeless tobacco
1. How soon after you wake up do you place your first dip?
* Within 5 minutes (3)
* 6-30 minutes (2)
* 31-60 minutes (1)
* After 60 minutes (0)
2. How often do you intentionally swallow tobacco juice?
* Always (2)
* Sometimes (1)
* Never (0)
3. Which chew would you hate to give up most?
* The first one in the morning (1)
* Any other (0)
4. How many cans/pouches per week do you use?
* More than 3 (2)
* 2-3 (1)
* 1 (0)
5. Do you chew more frequently during the first hour after awakening than during the rest of the day?
* Yes (1)
* No (0)
6. Do you chew if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?
* Yes (1)
* No (0)
0-2 very low dependence
3-4 low
5 medium
6-7 high
8-10 very high
Myth #1: Smoking is just a bad habit.
Fact: Tobacco use is an addiction. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Treatment can help.
Myth #2: If you don't quit the first time you try, you may never be able to quit.
Fact: Many people try 2 or 3, or more, times before being able to quit for good.
Myth #3: The best way to quit is "cold turkey."
Fact: The most effective way to quit is by using a combination of counseling and pharmacotherapy options.
Myth #4: Quitting is expensive.
Fact: Treatments cost from $3 to $10 per day. A pack-a-day smokers spends more than $1000 per year. Check with your health insurance plan to find out if smoking cessation services are covered.
The tobacco treatment group will run for 6 weeks and will be a closed group. The group will work on preparing members to quit tobacco use, and if all goes well they will quit during the group, while continuing to process how it's going and gaining support.
Several topics will be addressed such as previous quit attempts, the neurobiology of nicotine addiction, tobacco health effects, tobacco industry manipulations, triggers, behaviors associated with use, NRT's and other medications, and action planning around quitting.
Prairie Ridge is a tobacco free facility as of April 1st. Therefore, no tobacco products can be used in the buildings, on the grounds, and in the parking lot, including in vehicles.