Smoking cessation

How to quit smoking once and for all

Say farewell to your cigarettes by sticking with this step-by-step plan.


LearnQuit smokingHow to quit smoking once and for all
Pick a quit day
14 Days until quit day
12 Days until quit day
10 Days until quit day
7 Days until quit day
3 Days until quit day
1 Day until quit day
Quit day
The first smoke-free weeks
After two weeks

1 of 11

Quitting tobacco is one of the most important decisions a person can make. Each year, more than 480,000 people in the United States die from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Another 16 million live with a smoking-related illness. By quitting, you are making the choice to live a longer, healthier life. But it’s important to be prepared.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to cigarettes, follow this plan to prepare to be smoke-free.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Serv... + 2
  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Smoking Cessation: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; 2020.
  2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Want to Quit Smoking? FDA-Approved Products and FDA-Cleared Cessation Products Can Help. Content current as of July 21, 2022.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fast Facts: Smoking and Tobacco Use. Last reviewed August 22, 2022.
Written by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.
Medically reviewed by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.August, 2024
Updated onNovember, 2026
Written by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.
Medically reviewed by Ann Wendling, MD, MPH.August, 2024
Updated onNovember, 2026
AskMDAskMD

Questions about Smoking cessation?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

About 7 in 10 adult smokers want to kick the habit—and you can, too, with these tips.

Ready to quit smoking? Here’s how to make it happen
Article

Quitting is hard, but not impossible. Try these approaches to help reduce your cravings for a smoke.

4 ways to overcome cigarette cravings
Slideshow

Want to kick the habit? Get straight facts, smart tips, and a step-by-step plan.

Your quick start guide to quitting tobacco
Slideshow

It is difficult to quit smoking. Use these steps to help you be more successful.

How to quit (5 min)
Video

If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit.

Here's what happens to your body when you quit smoking
Video
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.