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Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is an important step for your health, but it can feel overwhelming. Know that you are not alone in your efforts to quit. Research shows your odds are better if you get support from others. 

Below are available resources that can help you take this important next step.

  1. Talk to your primary care provider about prescription smoking cessation methods. 
  2. Tap into these smoking cessation resources to get help. Programs are available from Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland to help you stop smoking or quit vaping.

Anne Arundel County Health Department’s Learn to Live Program

Order or download a FREE Quit Smoking Kit or call the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979 for information on smoking cessation resources in Anne Arundel County.

Maryland Tobacco Quitline

Online and phone resources are available to Maryland residents through the Maryland Tobacco Quitline.

Call 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669) for free phone counseling and nicotine replacement patches, or visit the Maryland Tobacco Quitline website. 

The Maryland Tobacco Quitline is open 24/7 for those 13 years of age and older. English and other languages are available.

Get to Know Your Risk

Smoking is a top risk factor of lung cancer, vascular disease and heart disease. Here are a few ways that you can take a step towards living a healthier life.

  • Take a quick and free lung cancer health risk assessment to see if you are at risk for developing lung cancer. Smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of lung cancer. If you meet the screening guidelines, a low-dose CT scan can help catch the disease at its earliest, most treatable stage. Lung cancer screenings are offered at our Lung Screening Program at the Tate Cancer Center at UM BWMC.
  • Call 410-787-4391 to schedule a free vascular screening at the Vascular Center at UM BWMC. This screening detects major vascular problems including abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and carotid artery disease.
  • Learn about our heart services, treatments and resources at UM BWMC. Smokers have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, the dominant cause of heart disease, among other chronic disorders. It is important to adapt lifestyle changes to reduce the chance of developing heart disease. Quitting smoking is a major way within your control that you can prevent it.

Take Care of Your Lungs

Smoking is the leading cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), accounting for about 90 percent of cases. COPD is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe – and nicotine and other substances cause lung damage, which makes breathing even harder. If you currently have or think you may have COPD or another lung disease, schedule an appointment with one of our lung specialists to find the right care for you.

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