For the smoker, quitting may seem like an unreachable goal. For the New Year, make putting out that cigarette for the final time a priority on your resolutions list.

According to statewide statistics, more than 22 percent of adults in Alabama use tobacco. Alabama places eighth in the nation in highest rates of smokers.

Dr. A.J. Butt, physician of interventional cardiology and heart failure and peripheral artery disease at the Cardiovascular Institute of Selma, said the key to quitting, is self-motivation.

“You have to have a personal willingness and initiative to quit,” Butt said. “If a person is not willing to do it (quit), it is harder. Smoking is an addiction and it’s difficult to stop without the support of the family.”

Butt watched his brother smoke more than six packs a day, before he finally quit.

“He quit abruptly, after he developed a stroke,” Butt said. “If he could stop, then I knew it was possible for others too.”

More than 7,000 Alabamians die each year from smoking-related causes.

Niko Phillips, tobacco control coordinator of the Dallas County Health Department, said kicking the habit is necessary for better health.

“Quitting tobacco is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family,” Phillips said.

Butt said smoking leads to heart disease, stroke, gum disease, skin disease and lung cancer to name a few.

“Smoking encompasses your entire existence—your entire body,” Butt added.

Though the information may seem disheartening, Butt offers hope to those who seek refuge in patches, lozenges or gum.

“There are ways and means to kick the habit,” Butt said. “I sit down with my patients and encourage them to have a quality of life, which doesn’t come without struggle or determination. You are the best counselor for yourself.”

Medical experts offer ways to help you stop smoking.

• Figure out why you want to quit. Pick a powerful reason to quit and let that reason motivate you to stop.
• Don’t go cold turkey — it doesn’t usually work. Nicotene is addictive and if you don’t have therapy or medicine pull you from the taste of cigarettes, you’re more than likely to relapse.
• Use nicotine-replacement therapy. Try patches, gum or lozenges to beat the craving twice as fast.
• Don’t try to stop by yourself. Get your family, friends and coworkers to support you on your journey to quitting.
• Handle your stress. Stress causes some people to smoke heavily. To relieve stress, try listening to music or taking long walks to help you reach your personal goal.
• Once you quit, do some spring-cleaning and throw away any ashtrays, lighters or clothing that smells of smoke.