According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 440,000 deaths, or about one of every five deaths, each year. This estimate includes 35,000 deaths from secondhand smoke exposure.

The Tobacco Treatment Program at Saint Clare's is a comprehensive service designed to help patients address their smoking and tobacco addiction, acknowledge the need for treatment, and work towards becoming nicotine-free.

Nicotine, the primary chemical derived from tobacco, is one of the most addictive substances known. In addition to nicotine, tobacco consists of over 4,000 other chemicals. Some of the toxic chemicals found in tobacco are known to cause cancer. Second-hand smoke is hazardous to non-smokers and especially children. Over 50,000 people die each year in this country from illnesses caused by second-hand smoke.

Smokers usually do not realize the extent of their addiction until presented with serious health problems. If you answer YES to any of the following questions, the Tobacco Treatment Program can help you.

• Have you tried to quit before?
• Have you smoked for a long time?
• Do you become irritable, restless or anxious when you attempt to quit?
• Has your workplace gone smoke free?
• Has your doctor or medical professional suggested that you quit?
• Are you fed up with being addicted to tobacco products?
• Do you really want to quit?

The Tobacco Treatment Program is administered by experienced tobacco treatment specialists and is part of the Saint Clare's Respiratory Care Department. Treatment is customized to the unique needs of each patient and offers a complete system of support throughout the process.

For more information on the Tobacco Treatment Program or to schedule an appointment with a tobacco treatment specialist, call 973-983-5212. Click here to submit your question using our Online Inquiry Form.