Breaking Free From the Cycle of Nicotine Addiction

For Candy Cotter, 71, going through Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s Tobacco Treatment Program transformed her life in a way she never expected.

“I smoked daily for 55 years of my life,” Cotter says. “Every time I quit, something negative would trigger my urge to smoke, and I went back.”

After an unsuccessful attempt at trying a medication to help her quit, Cotter’s doctor recommended she sign up for the program at LVHN. “It took a combination of me being ready and my 8-year-old granddaughter stepping up to become my “’accountability coach’ to join.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable disease and death, yet many people find it difficult to quit.

“There are so many reasons for why it’s hard to quit smoking,” Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Lindsey Dietrich, with LVHN’s Tobacco Treatment Program says. “Smoking truly becomes a habit and integral part of life for a lot of people, and the brain and body can become dependent on nicotine from cigarettes to feel good.”

Smoking cessation has been pivotal for many people in breaking free from the cycle of nicotine addiction.

The LVHN Tobacco Treatment Program is entirely grant funded by the PA Department of Health and serves Lehigh, Carbon and Northampton counties. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono has their own Tobacco Treatment Program for residents of Monroe County.  Group and individual phone counseling sessions are provided and patients enroll in an eight-week counseling program with weekly group classes or phone counseling appointments. It provides follow-up appointments for six months after completion of the program and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy while supplies last.

“I believe our program is successful because we have qualified certified tobacco treatment counselors with mental health counseling backgrounds,” Dietrich says. “We connect with our patients, so they feel supported through their smoking cessation journey. Freedom from Smoking by the American Lung Association is a wonderfully structured program with a strong emphasis on preparing for a quit date.”

Cotter completed the program in May and now has monthly check-ins with her counselor. “Lindsey has been super supportive and was a great teacher. I really liked the behavior-based approach, and the tools that we learned were very common sense and useful. I am really happy and proud of myself for going through this and quitting. Now I can enjoy a healthier lifestyle. I highly recommend the program.”

Dietrich adds that Cotter started group counseling with a strong will to quit. “Candy's granddaughter encouraged her to quit smoking, and she has a great support system at home.”

Patients do not need a referral and can enroll by calling 610-402-4845. If a patient lives outside of the counties listed, they will be connected with free cessation services in their areas.