Adults with Disabilities

Know the Facts

More than 56 million US adults have a disability, meaning that they have serious problems with walking or climbing stairs; hearing; seeing; or concentrating, making decisions, or remembering.
Adults with disabilities are more likely to smoke cigarettes than those without disabilities. Overall, about 1 in 7 US adults were cigarette smokers in 2016. Cigarette smoking was significantly higher among those who reported having any disability (about 1 in 5 adults) compared with those who reported having no disability (about 1 in 8 adults).
If you smoke, you are at increased risk for a smoking-related illness and death. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States.
Studies show that providing access to programs to help people quit can reduce rates of tobacco smoking and tobacco-related diseases and death.

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For More Information

Learn about detailed statistics for smoking in specific groups and the current rates of cigarette smoking in the United States.
Stories from people living with disabilities who stopped smoking are included in our Real Stories section.

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Quitting Help

To get started right now, see our How to Quit Smoking area featuring a Quit Guide website and an additional Quitting Resources page.
You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). Quitline coaches can answer questions, help you develop a quit plan, and provide support.
Quit-smoking treatments may be free or reduced in price through insurance, health plans, or clinics. State Medicaid programs cover quit-smoking treatments. While the coverage varies by state, all states cover some treatments for at least some Medicaid enrollees.

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