Clinicians help clear the smoke Published June 23, 2008 By Senior Airman Tong Duong 379th Air Expeditionary Wing SOUTHWEST ASIA -- While there are many reasons people choose to smoke, the mental health clinic here can help those who chose to stop. The clinic offers individual and group sessions and/or medication for members looking to wean off their nicotine habits. "The group session is [best]," said Master Sgt. John Steege, noncommissioned officer in charge of the clinic. "In the first, I do an introduction with educational information on how cigarette and nicotine use is bad for you. During the second and third sessions, the members lead the discussion. They have bonded by this point and can talk about their progress." Senior Airman Joseph Fields, Combined Air and Space Operations Center ground radio communications, who started his smoking habit along with high school friends, sought the help of the group session to break his addiction. "I was just sick and tired of [smoking] and it was getting expensive," said the five-year smoker. "It was easier to quit with a group of people. I didn't feel like I was alone." Himself a smoker for 15 years, Sergeant Steege tried to quit several on his own before he finally succeeded. His past experiences help others because they can relate to what he's been through. "Most people who attend a smoking cessation class have already tried to quit on their own," he said. "Statistics show that it's better when you do the group session along with the medication and education. The success rate is higher in the long run, as the members can tell others what worked for them and what didn't. In a way, they help themselves; I just facilitate the group." Medications that suppress cravings or act as a nicotine replacement can also help. "We can give you a little nicotine to help you along the way," Sergeant Steege, who has been smoke free for five years, said. "It's healthier than smoking cigarettes, because the medications don't contain carcinogens." Another thing that helps people quit is knowing why they started smoking in the first place, said Sergeant Steege. "Some people like to have something in their hands when they are drinking. For most, it's to handle stress. For others it's habit or they are craving the nicotine. It's easier for you to quit when you know how to fill that void," he said. Breaking habits that can be associated with smoking, such as drinking or hanging around the smoke pit, are starting points, Sergeant Steege said. "Sometimes you have to make life changes if quitting is important to you," he said. One way to break the routine or to deal with stress is to start or increase an exercise program. "I've been doing tons of physical training," Airman Fields said. "I work out every morning before work, again at 11 a.m., and sometimes again after work. Working out seems to help with the cravings. I've been smoke free for five weeks now." Setting the mindset of becoming a healthier person can lead to a smoke free lifestyle. "[Set a fitness goal] to work out for a certain number of days and it will become part of your routine," Sergeant Steege said. "Chances are you'll stick with it, which will allow you to become healthier and may help manage your stress." Four one-hour group/counseling sessions are offered each month. Morning and evening sessions are available for day and night-shift workers, as well as one-on-one appointments for those who can't make the group sessions. For more information regarding smoking cessation, call Master Sgt. Steege at 437-8767. *Those on flying status should seek flight medicine's approval prior to using medication.