Project Filter offers chance to get off nicotine

Idaho residents hooked on cigarettes can get professional help quitting.

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Story Published: Sep 7, 2008 at 5:32 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:20 PM PST

By Hayley Guenthner

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LEWISTON - It contributes to everything from yellow teeth to lung cancer.

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug, most commonly found in cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

North Central District Health Department Promotion Coordinator Heidi Henson says millions of Americans are hooked, and for those who are, there is help for them in the Valley.

"Idaho's Project Filter is offering free nicotine replacement to Idaho residents who are interested in quitting smoking or quitting using chewing tobacco," said Henson.

Henson said Idaho's Millennium Fund, with monies from the master settlement with tobacco companies, is paying for the efforts that began July 1.

"It's going to last at least through the end of June next year," said Henson. "So, if people call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which is Idaho's quit line, they can register to receive a four week supply of the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, or the nicotine lozenge. They can also go to Idahoquitnet.com and sign up there."

Henson said kicking the habit can be difficult, and it's always better to go at it with a little help.

"You're success in quitting can increase by 50 percent if you combine it with counseling, which you can also get through the Idaho Quit Line and combine it with nicotine replacement therapy," said Henson. "It is better to use the resources that are available to you."

Henson said it's never too late to quit, and doing so can save your life.

"Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable death and disease," she said.

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