Kevlar for the Mind: Only you can decide to stop smoking - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Navy Times

Kevlar for the Mind: Only you can decide to stop smoking

About one in three active-duty members use tobacco, compared with one in five adult civilians. Among combat veterans, the number can be as high as one in two. That amounts to several hundred thousand troops starting and ending their day with a smoke, dip or chew.

The health, financial and operational readiness impacts of tobacco use in the military have garnered considerable attention over the last couple of years.

The consequences of tobacco use on health are painfully obvious. Most Americans know of someone who has died of a smoking-related disease such as lung cancer or emphysema.

The financial impact is staggering. Government accounting reports indicate that tobacco use costs the Pentagon $846 million a year in medical care and lost productivity. The Veterans Affairs Department spends about $6 billion a year in tobacco-related health costs.

As far as the impact on readiness, one need only ask a senior enlisted member how smoking reduces stamina, endurance and efficiency in junior enlisted troops.

Tobacco use, however, is as much a part of military culture and history as is saluting. From the vintage stories of cigarette rationing in World War I to the iconic image of the “Marlboro Marine” in Fallujah, lighting up after a tough battle or stressful day is socially accepted, if not outright encouraged.

As a psychologist, I am acutely aware of the impact tobacco use has on the person and those around him, as well as how difficult it is to quit.

The decision to stop using tobacco must be a personal one. In my experience working with those trying to quit, the reasons vary. Some are quitting due to fear of, or actual, failing health; birth of a new child; promise to a loved one; or merely financial reasons.

But kicking the habit is not easy. It takes commitment, support and failing a few times. It took me more than a dozen failed attempts over more than a year to finally succeed. That was five years ago.

For those interested in letting go of the psychological and physical dependence of tobacco use, here are a few steps to get you started:

• Choose your reason for quitting and decide how you will quit.

• Get tips for picking a quit date and savings calculator.

• Figure out what triggers you to use tobacco.

• Rally the support of your unit, friends and family.

For more information on how to quit, click here.