It’s no secret that using tobacco is harmful to your health, and that there are some hefty negative costs, both financial and health related, for users and nonusers alike.

In 2015, the American Cancer Society released the infographic, “Tobacco: The True Cost of Smoking,” which breaks down the cost of smoking into three categories:

 – Dollars wasted

 – The cost to you and to society

 – Bodily harm

Bottom line: Whether you use tobacco or not, we’re all impacted by the cost of tobacco.

Use the Cost of Tobacco to Find Your “Quit Moment”

No matter what tobacco use is costing you—financial loss, damage to your health or the health of those around you, or something else all-together—you can channel that cost to find your “quit moment.” Your quit moment is the point when something clicks, and you decide, “I’m done. It’s just not worth what it’s costing me or those around me anymore.”

If you’ve been looking for the right quit moment, we have good news. November 17 is the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event. During this time, tobacco users are encouraged to quit using tobacco for 24 hours: Research has shown that the most effective path to quitting is to take it one day at a time. (Of course, participants are encouraged to stay tobacco-free beyond those 24 hours.)

Mark your calendar for the 17th, and make the Great American Smokeout your quit moment. For extra motivation, keep track of your cost savings. Here are some examples of what you might track:

 – Extra time you now have for hobbies, activities, and other fun things you like to do—time you normally would’ve spent smoking

 – Money you save from not buying cigarettes

 – A variety of health improvements, including having extra energy or breathing easier

Not a tobacco user?

Seize the opportunity to support any friends or family members who use tobacco. Share information about the Great American Smokeout, be their cheerleader, and help them explore resources to help them kick the habit for good.

You Don’t Have to Go through It Alone

We know quitting tobacco can be one of the most difficult challenges you face. That’s why there are numerous resources available to help you or loved ones quit the habit. Here are a few to check out to help get you started:

 – Participate in the Quit For Life®tobacco cessation program, available to most PacificSource members with medical plans. Visit our tobacco cessation page.

 – Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quit smoking resources.

 – Build a personal quit plan with SmokeFree.gov.

 – Check out the American Cancer Society Guide to Quitting Smoking.

 

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