Advantages Chart
A Comparison of the Advantages of Quitting Smoking vs. Continuing to Smoke
Print out this chart and make copies. Put it with your calendar and post it in places where you will see it.
If I continue to smoke:	If I stop smoking:
I will get to continue with what is comfortable and not have to deal with change.	I will have to go through a difficult time, learning new habits and redefining myself as a non-smoker. It will be emotionally painful.
I will have to continue to spend the money to support my habit.	I will be able to save the money that I used to support my habit.
If I want to reduce harm to my children I will have to smoke outside.	My children’s health will improve from not having a smoking parent. They will also have a good role model and hopefully will not start smoking. If they can make it past the teen years without smoking they most likely will never pick up the habit.
I will continue to have to take my breaks at work outside.	I will no longer have to leave my home in cold or rain or snow to smoke.
I will continue to pay higher premiums for health and life insurance.	After 6 months to a year of abstinence I will contact my insurance agent to advise him/her that I am a non-smoker to see about qualifying for lower rates because I am a non-smoker.
I will continue to deal with smoker’s cough and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.	My smoker’s cough will go away rapidly and I will be less susceptible to respiratory problems.
My clothes will continue to be damaged by errant embers.	My clothes will no longer have burns and singe marks on them, nor will they smell of smoke.
I will live each day knowing in that secret place where we are all honest with ourselves that I am shortening my life and am likely to develop a serious health condition that will bring suffering not only to me, but to my family.	I will live each day knowing that I am doing what I can to improve my health and my possibility to live a long and productive life. I no longer must deal with the guilt of knowing that I am potentially bringing disaster to not only myself, but my family.