SmokNoMore challenges campus to kick the habit

By Eric DeAngelis
Collegian Staff
March 22, 2006

The 1982 Surgeon General’s Report stated that, “Cigarette smoking is the major single cause of cancer mortality in the United States.” This statement is as true today as it was in 1982. Approximately five million people die each year due to smoking-related illnesses.

We all have addictions that we wish we could hinder. Smoking is an addiction that millions of people try to suppress, but after a stressful day succomb to and tell themselves that it is their last. That tomorrow is the first day of a smoke-free life.

This account seems all too familiar to millions of smokers across the world, and to hundreds of students attending La Salle.

But La Salle students have an edge over the rest of the world—SmokNoMore, which is a program founded by Brother Edward Conway, who is an addiction counselor at La Salle, and also a former smoker. Conway quit smoking 11 times.

“I always tell people that I’ve stopped smoking 11 times. I’ve been successful in not smoking for over 17 years now,” he said.

Conway created SmokNoMore five years ago as a Behavior Modification program. He was inspired by the program that had helped him quit 17 years ago, and now he is motivated to help others.

“My motivation is to help those who want and need to stop…to stop.”

Over the years, Conway has offered his program to others on campus, but admits that he has not always been active in seeking potential quitters. However, because of the success of other programs on campus, he is ready to revive his own. SmokNoMore is being offered for regular undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff persons.

“As with any addiction,” Conway said, “success is not measured by how many stop after one try, but by those who gain more tools and support to eventually break the addiction and take back control.”

That’s what his program is about—helping people quit smoking by offering support to those who understand the risks and want to give quitting a conscious effort. Individuals who are interested in SmokNoMore can contact the counseling center in McShain Hall, or call (215) 951-1357.

deangee2@lasalle.edu