About Freedom From Smoking®

The Story Behind Freedom From Smoking^®

In 1975, the American Lung Association, American Thoracic Society and Congress of Lung Association Staff launched a project to develop a smoking cessation program. After a thorough review of existing programs and research literature, three different approaches (media, self-help and group clinic) were chosen for development and testing to reach different segments of the population. Each approach was thoroughly evaluated and the self-help guide, Freedom From Smoking®: The Guide to Help You Quit Smoking, was released in 1980. The Freedom From Smoking® group program followed in 1981 and was among the first smoking cessation program available nationwide. The Lung Association began offering an online program in 2001 and we recently launched our newest option,  Freedom From Smoking® Plus. Freedom From Smoking® Plus is an interactive online program available anytime, anywhere on a desktop, laptop tablet or smartphone. All Freedom From Smoking® products are reviewed and updated regularly to make sure Freedom From Smoking® remains "America's gold standard in smoking cessation programs."

How The Program Works

The Freedom From Smoking® program uses techniques based on pharmacological and psychological principles and methods designed to help tobacco users gain control over their behavior and break their addiction. Because no single quit method is effective for all tobacco users, the program includes a comprehensive variety of evidence-based, proven-effective cessation techniques. The curriculum also includes information about nicotine replacement therapy (gum, inhalers, patches, lozenges and nasal spray) and other FDA-approved smoking cessation medications such as Zyban® and Chantix®.

Why Use Freedom From Smoking®

Since it was first introduced over 41 years ago, the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking® program has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans end their addiction to nicotine and begin new smokefree lives. Freedom From Smoking® is based on proven addiction and behavior change models. The program offers a structured, systematic approach to quitting, and its positive messaging emphasizes the benefits of better health.

Evaluation studies and other research have shown that people who participate in Freedom From Smoking®:

• Experience both immediate and long-term health benefits.
• Learn to address and overcome the physical, mental and social aspects of their addiction.
• Are six times more likely to be tobacco-free one year later than those who quit on their own.
• When used in combination with cessation medication(s), up to 60% of Freedom From Smoking® participants report having quit by the end of the program.