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Jump to full article: Burlington (VT) Free Press, 2009-08-01
Author: Tina Zuk August 1, 2009
Intro: On July 1, Vermont's tax on cigarettes increased by 25 cents a pack. That means a pack-a-day smoker will now spend more than $2,360 on cigarettes in a year; a two-pack-a-day smoker will spend almost $4,720.
Quitting eliminates or reduces all of the expenses that go along with smoking. Just imagine what you could do with those savings -- pay off that credit card debt, plan a nice vacation or get a new flat-screen television! . . .
A great step is to use the Vermont Quit Network. This resource is available thanks to Vermont's Tobacco Control Program and it's free. Quit by phone by calling 800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) where you can get free advice and counseling on how to stop. You can also get help online at VTQuitNetwork.org. Quit-in-person coaches are also located at hospitals throughout the state. To find your local coach, call 800-QUIT-NOW. The Vermont Quit Network also offers free nicotine replacement therapy -- patches, gum or lozenges -- to all Vermonters.
With the new tax, the health risks, and the support available now, there's never been a better time for smokers to kick the habit.
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