Blunt Talk for Obama: Yes, You Can Quit Smoking!

Author of “I Quit’ Offers Sensible Advice to Nation’s Chief

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. – Feb 5, 2009 – President Obama will have a better chance of quitting cigarettes if he stops talking about smoking, suggests Linda Joy Allan, a former smoker and author of the book, “I Quit.”

“When I quit smoking, I didn’t tell anyone for three months after I put out that last cigarette. This is something you must do for yourself without opening up your decision to the intrusion of outside opinions,” Allan said.

“Too often, opening up to others about a resolve to quit any addiction – smoking, overeating or drinking – creates additional pressure, even if unintended, from others,” the California author said.

“Whether you’re a public figure or just an ordinary person, there’s a betting mentality that can take place, that of, ‘Will he win this battle or not? Quitting is personal, so don’t encourage a betting pool over your life choices,” Allan said.

Allan said Obama, like other public figures who have said they intend to quit, has become the focus of the news media and Internet advice pundits in search of the next “gotcha” should he be photographed lighting up at some future date.

“This is why people like me don’t talk about quitting; we quit in quiet. That’s how I was successful,” said Allan, who wrote about quitting three addictions – smoking, drinking and overeating -- in her new book, “I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze.”

Allan said she substituted other activities, such as exercise and new hobbies, for smoking. Instead of lighting up, she would tell herself that she already had smoked that cigarette and continue on with her day.

“I didn't tell anyone for three months that I hadn't had a cigarette in quite a while. I thought it important to keep this to myself. I didn’t want any feedback from anyone. Even getting support from someone isn't what I needed,” Allan said.

“After several months, I finally told others and myself that that I didn’t smoke anymore. I had smoked for 28 years, starting with two packs a day before getting it down to two a day. And then I stopped,” she said.

For more information about the book, "I Quit! Cigarettes, Candy Bars & Booze," contact Linda Joy Allan at (805) 705-4784 or by e-mail at LindaJoyAllan@aol.com.