Health problems related to nicotine smoking is an increasing concern of many Americans, and those interested in stopping can seek help from the Student Health Center.

The Student Heath Center and American Lung Association have teamed up to create a Stop Smoking workshop to help break students, faculty and staff of their smoking habits.

Beginning this week and running through next week, the workshop will also offer participants help in relaxation techniques, stress management and weight management through group support.

The three-week workshop prepares smokers for the sometimes challenging goal of quitting smoking.

During the group meetings, smokers will be asked where they smoke, why they smoke, what their mood is when they smoke and what it is that they believe triggers their smoking.

Randy Mayer, program coordinator, said many smokers begin when they are young because of pressure from friends.

“Most commonly, people start smoking around the age of 14. The reasons people smoke now are totally different from when they were young,” he said. “Traditionally, young people start because of friends and peer pressure.”

The group will meet three times to discuss different ways to stop smoking. Some people choose the nicotine patch or nicotine gum, but Mayer said he wants participants to look at the option of nicotine fading.

Nicotine fading is a process by which a person switches to different brands of cigarettes with a lower nicotine content. Eventually, the nicotine content will get lower and lower until they are smoking cigarettes with hardly any nicotine. The gradual disappearance of nicotine makes it easier to stop smoking, Mayer said.

Following the three meetings, there will be a special ceremony held for the group in which all participants throw away their cigarettes, ashtrays and anything else they associate with their smoking habit.

There will be another meeting two days after they quit smoking for the group to talk about what emotions they are feeling and any problems they are having with giving up smoking.

The final three sessions of Stop Smoking will deal with stress management and weight control.

Mayer said, “People only tend to gain two or three pounds, but we get them on a exercise program and after they have successfully quit [smoking], it is really worth it. We also use the exercise as a substitute for stress management.”

Mayer said most people find the two weeks after they quit smoking the hardest to get through without returning to their habit.

“People who are trying to quit smoking need to prepare the people around them that they are trying to stop smoking, so they can be more tolerable and supportive to their needs,” Mayer said. “Many times people fail to tell their friends, co-workers and study groups, so they nag at them and just make the problem worse. The more support, the better.”

Cory Scimeca, a sophomore in animal science, is a smoker and said Stop Smoking sounds like a good idea for those trying to give up cigarettes.

“I think the program is a great idea for people who are trying to quit, but I personally wouldn’t go because I have no desire to stop at this point and time in my life,” he said.

There are currently 17 people enrolled in Stop Smoking, but Mayer hopes for a minimum of 30 to participate.

He said it is not too late to join the program, which costs $20 with $10 refunded for perfect attendance. Those interested in enrolling in the workshop can call Mayer at 294-2722.