Smokers: Be a Quitter in Five Days

July 27, 2005 — -- National Quit Smoking Day is just a week away. So to inspire you to become a quitter, "Good Morning America" and the American Legacy Foundation will be bringing you daily practical tips, and the latest alternative techniques and strategies to cope with the emotional side of quitting smoking.

On Tuesday, Aug. 2, stop by the designated dropoff in New York, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Miami and Houston, and trade in your cigarettes for a bag of goodies including a Bally's 30-day gym membership coupon, a stress ball and "GMA" Stop Smoking Challenge Backpack.

Today, we bring you Surgeon General Richard Carmona's five-day plan to quit smoking. For more information on tobacco from the Department of Heath and Human Services, Click Here.

Five Days Before You Quit

Think of all the reasons you're quitting.

Tell your friends and family you are planning to quit.

Stop buying cigarettes.

Four Days Before You Quit

Pay attention to when you smoke and why.

Think of other objects to hold in your hand besides cigarettes.

Think of habits or routines to change.

Three Days Before You Quit:

Think about how you will use the extra money you used to spend on cigarettes.

Think of who will support you when you need help.

Two Days Before You Quit:

Buy the nicotine patch or gum over the counter or see your doctor to get a nicotine inhaler, a nasal spray or the non-nicotine pill.

One Day Before You Quit:

Put away lighters and ashtrays.

Throw away all cigarettes and matches.

Wash your clothes to get out the smell of cigarette smoke.

Quit Day:

Keep busy.

Remind family and friends this is your quit day.

Stay away from alcohol.

Give yourself a treat or do something special.