Jenny Jones has been smoking for three years and plans to quit at the end of this year.

Jones, a freshman family, consumer and nutrition sciences major said the amount of cigarettes she smokes per day depends on her mood and stress level.

“I quit for six months one time,” Jones said. “Then my boyfriend and I broke up, so I started smoking again.”

To quit smoking, Jones did not use an aid to help her break the habit, she simply forced herself to quit.

“I didn’t put myself around it as much,” she said.

Seven out of 10 NIU students choose not to smoke. Of those who do smoke, nine out of 10 want to quit, states the Web site for Health Enhancement, a division of NIU student affairs.

To help students quit smoking, Health Enhancement started the Xtreme Air smoking cessation program in the late 1990s. Xtreme Air is a free, self-managed program providing one-on-one coaching assistance and support, information, tips and techniques to students interested in quitting, said Steve Lux, health educator for Health Enhancement.

“I think it takes the average person six to seven attempts to quit smoking,” Lux said. “Our program focuses on trying to identify how addicted you are, the role it plays in your life and then making some suggestions about how you can overcome this addiction.”

Health Enhancement also offers Quit Kits, which include information on quitting and nutrition, lozenges and gum, a tooth brush, daily affirmations and a contract.

“I think one of the best things to do is to solicit a quit buddy – a friend who will help support and encourage you and help you stay strong,” Lux said. “The kit has a contract that you can fill out. It kind of formalizes it.”

Planning is also important when trying to quit, Lux said. Some steps to quitting include throwing away all smoking paraphernalia, such as ash trays and lighters, and finding a substitute such as chewing on gum or a toothpick. Saving money normally spent on cigarettes to spend elsewhere can also aid in quitting, and exercising can help ease stress and burn calories.

Asking friends and family for their encouragement also helps, Lux said.

“Make sure you’re ready to quit,” he said. “Set a specific date – the sooner the better. The longer you put it off, the more chances you may have of changing your mind.”

For more information on the Xtreme Air smoking cessation program, contact Health Enhancement at 815-753-9755, or visit online at www.niu.edu/he/index.asp.