Many smokers complain that they don't have time to attend a smoking cessation program. To help these smokers quit, the American Lung Association recently launched Freedom From Smoking Online, an interactive course that is designed to educate and modify th

The new online smoking cessation clinic is based on the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking program, which has already helped thousands of smokers quit smoking for good. In the past, the seven sessions have been held in local offices of the association, hospitals, medical facilities and voluntary agencies. In February an online version became available 24 hours a day seven days a week on any schedule the smoker chooses. There are no waiting lists: the program is available whenever a smoker wants to start the process of quitting. There is also no charge. "The American Lung Association's gold standard smoking cessation program, Freedom From Smoking, is built on the premise that no two smokers are alike," said John M. Coruthers, Jr., president of the American Lung Association. "That's why the online clinic begins by finding out why each person smokes and what triggers his or her urge to light up. This enables us to develop an individual set of coping strategies to handle the triggers." The online program emphasizes developing positive behavior change, building a support network and focusing on effective relaxation and weight loss strategies after quitting. "Freedom From Smoking has been available for years to the public via group clinics, audiotapes, videotapes and self-help manuals," Mr. Coruthers said. "Now the Internet allows us to make the program even more accessible to smokers who wish to break free of nicotine addiction in the comfort of their homes." For more information or to register for the online smoking cessation clinic, visit the website at www.lungusa.org/ffs or contact your local Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA.

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