">le>le>le> Support Group

The Drug Prevention Resource Center and StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, are proud to present QUIT SMOKING NOW classes and support group to offer Polk County residents the tools and support necessary to decrease tobacco use.

The tobacco education program curriculum was developed by ex-smokers for those who want to become ex-smokers themselves. Meetings are held once weekly for six weeks, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 p.m., at the Family Fundamentals Center, located at 1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland. Interested residents may contact the Drug Prevention Resource Center for a list of available dates.

Tobacco has been cited as the most responsible agent for avoidable illness and death. Its use results in premature death for almost half a million Americans each year, and tobacco contributes to profound disability and pain in many others. An estimated 400,000 people in the United States die annually from complications suffered from the effects of tobacco. Polk County is ranked 17th out of 67 counties for the smoking attributable mortality rate.

Kicking the tobacco addiction is extremely difficult. It usually takes 2 or more attempts before becoming successful. Studies have shown that each time someone tries to quit, they become stronger and they learn more about what helps and what does not. Despite the odds, many are successful at quitting the addiction.

Quit Smoking Now can help those who are serious about wanting to stop smoking. The program fee is just $15.00 for the entire six weeks. To register, please contact Michelle White at the Drug Prevention Resource Center at 863-802-0777 or by e-mail at: michelle@drugpreventionresource.org For telephone counseling, call the Florida Quit-For-Life Line toll-free at 1-877-822-6669.