GAYLORD - The difficulty of beating an addiction to tobacco is well known. To help area residents who wish to quit smoking, Otsego Memorial Hospital Community Education is offering a new Quit Smoking Workshop developed by Kaiser Permanente.

This three-session workshop will help participants develop an individual quit plan, and is designed for those who are interested in quitting tobacco and need a little extra help from a group setting. Information on tobacco's effect on the body and strategies to prevent relapse will be offered.

“Because smoking can so severely complicate an individual's long-term health, we are now offering both Freedom From Smoking and the Quit Tobacco Workshop, as well as a monthly Tobacco Cessation Support group, to reach as many people as possible who wish to become tobacco-free,” said Darla Edwards, a facilitator for the Quit Tobacco Workshop.

“This program will benefit those attempting to quit for the first time, as well as providing a refresher for those who have tried to quit before and wish to try again,” Edwards said. “Because the session is brief, and meets only three times, we feel it may appeal to a different segment of the population than the more in-depth Freedom From Smoking course by the American Lung Association.”

Information about tobacco cessation aids such as the nicotine patch and Bupropion (Zyban) will be presented. The workshop facilitators will explain how addiction works, what resources are available to smokers and help participants develop a personalized quitting plan.

“It's a very non-stressful, user-focused workshop,” said Edwards. “It's not only for people who are taking their first step toward becoming smoke-free, it's also for anyone who has ever thought of giving up smoking,” she said.

The Quit Tobacco Workshop begins at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 8, at Otsego Memorial Hospital. It continues Feb. 15 and 22. The cost is $40.

“We will provide participants with the tools needed to be successful for when they are ready to quit,” Edwards said.

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