When is the Great American Smokeout?
The third Thursday in November is the Great American Smokeout.
What is the Great American Smokeout?
It’s hard to quit. You need a plan, you need support, and you need to be ready to try, try again. Every November, the Great American Smokeout helps smokers quit by promoting a day to abstain from cigarettes in the hope that it will create a smoke-free commitment for life.
Nicotine addiction can be aggressive, but the Great American Smokeout teaches people about the tools that can help them quit smoking. Nicotine Anonymous meetings, self-help books, smoking coaches, and telephone quitlines are all useful measures. Supportive family and friends can also make a tremendous impact on a smoker’s ability to quit. Using multiple tools increases your chances of success.
So whether you started at 18 or 53, the Great American Smokeout is the perfect time to start the road to recovery.
Facts about the Great American Smokeout!
- The Great American Smokeout began occurring annually in the 1970s.
- In a 2015 report from the CDC, about 68% of adult cigarette smokers wanted to quit, and 55% had tried in the last year.
- Every day, over 3,200 people under 18 try a cigarette for the first time.
- Including 41,000 deaths from exposure to second-hand smoke, 480,000 Americans die every year from cigarette smoking.
How to celebrate the Great American Smokeout:
- Explore the resources that can help you quit smoking, and make a plan!
- Take a break from smoking for at least 24 hours. Tell your friends and family—both smokers and non-smokers—so they can support you throughout the day.
What’s the hashtag for the Great American Smokeout?
For solidarity with fellow smokers, use #GreatAmericanSmokeout on social media.