Teen smoking cessation program offered

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Health officials said many bad habits form when you're young. That's why they're targeting teens who smoke. A new program in Mobile County that kicked off Tuesday is aimed at getting our young people to quit using tobacco.

Tenth grader Brittany Loid said she doesn't smoke.

"I feel like teen smoking is wrong because it gets in your clothes, it messes up your lungs," she said.

Although Loid is well aware of the dangers, not all teens are.

"About 19 percent of middle school kids use tobacco and 25 percent of high school kids in Mobile County use tobacco," Prevention and Control Coordinator for the Mobile County Health Department Adrienne Tricksey said.

It's Tricksey's job to get those numbers down. Officials are trying to do so with a free program called "Not on Tobacco."

"It's very important because we do know that most people start when they're very young. Smoking is a huge addiction, it's very hard and difficult to quit. If they can quit at a young age, they can prevent future health problems," she said.

During a one hour class, officials will be talking to teens about why they use tobacco, understanding nicotine symptoms, and withdrawal. Tricksey said some teens live for the present and don't think about the future.

"We do know that some of the long-term risks are lung cancer, heart disease, developing emphysema and respiratory problems," she added.

Teens who use all types of tobacco can benefit. Officials said smokeless tobacco has much higher nicotine levels and chemicals than cigarettes and can be just as deadly.

"Leukoplakia, hairy tongue, gum recession, and cancer in the mouth," Tricksey said.

Regardless of how much tobacco is used, it's never too late to quit. Health officials said up to a point, your body can recover and repair itself. The goal is to educate teens so they lead long healthy lives

Classes will be held at two locations for the next 10 weeks: Tuesdays from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Davidson High School and Thursdays from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Dotch Community Center.