Heal Better Feel Better

Listen to an audio introduction to this page

Hi there! We're really glad you're here. One of the most important things we can talk about right now is quitting tobacco.

Whether you're having surgery soon or just thinking about your long-term health. Quitting tobacco even for a short time before surgery can help your body heal, lower your risk of complications, and support a smoother recovery. If you're ready to take that first step or even just explore your options, we're here to support you.

Let's get started together. This page was made with you in mind. Let me walk you through what to do. Here's how to use it. Start by creating your quit plan. The interactive tool will walk you through your reasons for quitting, your triggers, and the strategies that might work for you. You can save your plan, print it, bring it to your next appointment, or share it with a friend or loved one.

Use the Michigan Tobacco Quitlink. The page links directly to the Michigan Tobacco Quitlink, the state's free quit smoking service. It connects you with trained coaches, nicotine replacement options like patches and gum, and ongoing support. It's one of the best tools available for quitting tobacco in Michigan.

Learn about your support options. Explore nicotine replacement therapies, prescription medications, and behavioral techniques that can help manage cravings and withdrawal. You can save your favorite options and print them to share with your surgeon or care team.

And here's what we want you to know. This page isn't a magic wand, but you don't need one. The real magic is in your actions and in sharing your plan with your care team. You've got this. Tools like Heal Better, Feel Better are here to support you and help make your pre and post-surgical care as strong and successful as it can be.

The first step of quitting is easy:

sign up for support through the Quitlink

Follow the link below to sign up for free individualized coaching, medications, and other resources.

You can call or text

1-800-QUIT-NOW (784.8669)
The Michigan Tobacco Quitlink has helped over 1.5 million people quit tobacco for good. Signing up only takes 5 minutes and will give you access to free support and resources every step of the way.
SIGN UP

“I won’t lie—it wasn’t easy. Smoking had been my go-to for stress, pain, even boredom. But facing surgery changed everything. I realized my body needed every bit of strength to heal, and cigarettes were stealing that from me.”

Here’s what helped me quit and stay quit:

I made the surgery my turning point. I told myself: “If I’m strong enough to go through surgery, I’m strong enough to quit.” That shift in mindset made a huge difference.

I leaned into the ‘why’.

My recovery mattered more than a cigarette ever could. Smoking would slow healing, increase infection risk, and keep my body inflamed. I kept reminding myself: “Each day I don’t smoke, I heal faster.”

I prepped for cravings like they were part of recovery.

I had a plan—breathing exercises, a water bottle, chewing gum, and most of all, distractions like audiobooks and calming music. When a craving hit, I’d breathe deeply, remind myself what I was healing for, and let the moment pass.

I asked for support.

I let the nurses and doctors know I was quitting. They encouraged me, and it felt good not to hide it. You’re not alone, and asking for help shows strength.

I treated myself like I was healing, not punishing.

Instead of thinking “I can’t smoke,” I thought, “I’m giving my spine the best shot at healing.” That kept me motivated when it was tough.

The Quitlink will guide you through every step of quitting, but if you prefer to get started on your own, here are some resources to help!

Build and save your quit plan

Use the form below to create a quit plan. Then download and sign it to make a contract with yourself. We also recommend that you share it with your doctor.

 

Using medications nearly DOUBLES your chances of successfully quitting

Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and/or prescription medications can make it much easy to quit. Review the options and see what you think will work best for you.

Most insurances will cover quit medications (make sure to call the number on the back of your insurance card to check your coverage) or you can purchase NRT at your local pharmacy.

You can also get quit medications for free from the Quitlink.

Explore Tobacco Cessation Options

Compare prescription medications, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and behavioral supports. Select a type to narrow the list, then click View details.

Note: Talk to your care team about options that will work best for you.

Partner on Heal Better, Feel Better

If you are interested in helping to ensure all patients get the information and support they need to heal better, reach out!

CONTACT US

CREATED BY HBOM

Healthy Behavior Optimization for Michigan is transforming healthcare through design.

Learn more at HBOMich.org.


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