DECATUR - You don't have to feel alone when you're trying to quit smoking. That's the theme of the Illinois Department of Public Health and American Lung Association's most recent campaign to help people learn the most effective methods to quit using tobacco.

Research shows people who gradually quit smoking are more likely to kick the habit permanently.

For instance, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute funded a study of nearly 5,900 middle-aged smokers over 16 years. Results said smoking cessation classes improve long-term results, even for people whose lungs are already impaired.

Some participants of the Lung Health Study took a 10-week intensive smoking cessation program, including behavior modification, use of nicotine gum and a five-year maintenance program. Others had no intervention at all.

Five years later, less than one-fourth of the people in the smoking cessation program remained smoke-free, but nearly all of those individuals were still smoke-free after 11 years. Only 5 percent of the people who did not have intervention were sustained quitters after five years.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the American Lung Association of Illinois said people who build a support network are better off. Individual, group or telephone counseling, for instance, may improve a person's chance of quitting.

To help, the organizations offer the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health and implemented by the American Lung Association of Illinois.

By dialing the hotline, callers speak to a trained smoking cessation specialist. They help develop an individualized program using a "phased approach," gradually decreasing cigarette use and possibly using nicotine replacement methods.

At the end of the call, the caller can request a follow-up phone conversation with the same person. A Spanish-speaking specialist is also available.

The Illinois Tobacco Quitline is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Call 1-866-QUIT-YES (1-866-784-8937).

Bethany Carson can be reached at bcarson@;herald-review.com or 421-6968.