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(REPUBLICAN FILE)
According to the Centers for Disease Control: "Nicotine dependence is the most common form of chemical dependence in the United States. Research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol."
The CDC also notes that tobacco smoke "contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals; hundreds are toxic, and about 70 can cause cancer."
Two upcoming area programs, including one that uses hypnosis, offer help to smokers who want to quit.
In Easthampton, where adult smoking rates are said to be the highest in the state, "How to Quit Smoking," is being offered free on six Wednesdays, starting Sept. 3 through Oct. 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Easthampton Municipal Building, 50 Payson Ave.
Facilitator and physician assistant Ann Sharkey Esrick, of Valley Medical Group, will address such issues as understanding more about when and why you smoke; considering the pro's and con's of quitting; and learning about new ways to quit and stay quit.
Registration is required for the free program, funded by Cooley Dickinson Health Care. Contact Jackie Duda at health@easthampton.org, or call the Easthampton Health Department at (413) 529-1430.
Noble Hospital, in Westfield, is offering a series of two-part programs, during which Joseph Barako, a registered nurse and veteran certified hypnotherapy instructor, employs hypnosis to help participants stop smoking.
The classes are scheduled Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in Conference Room A on the ground floor of the hospital at 115 West Silver St..
The cost for this program is $50, and is payable at the first class. Participants can take the class again in the future free of charge.To register, which is required, or for more information, contact Barako at (413) 642-9504 or visit http://give.noblehospital.org/quitsmoking.
The two part-sessions are scheduled on the following days: Sept. 15 and 18; Nov. 17 and 20; Jan. 19 and 22, 2015; March 16 and 19.