As the United States begins the new year in a recession, many Americans are looking to see what costs can be cut to make the most of their money. For smokers, cutting down on cigarette purchases can be beneficial.

With the average pack of cigarettes costing $5.51 and susceptible to price increases, people who smoke one pack per day can spend up to $155 per month, which can add up to over $2,000 a year, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in Washington, D.C.

The campaign stated that in addition to the cigarettes, smokers typically purchase more breath mints, gum and air fresheners to help cover the odor.

The Health Promotion and Wellness department on campus has a variety of services available to help students kick the habit.

Lucien Winner / Daily Vidette Staff Photographer: Greg Kasper, senior psychology and sociology major, smokes a cigarette between classes Tuesday morning. A new study shows that cutting down on the purchase of cigarettes can save smokers up to $2,000 a year.

Jim Almeda, health educator, said the department offers information on various methods of quitting and pamphlets addressing nicotine addiction.

“We try to provide a variety of methods because different things work for different people,” Almeda said.

“Students can stop by the office and G Spot for information, as well as our website,” he added.

Someone who begins smoking at the legal age of 18 and smokes for the next 50 years will spend an average of $100,000 on cigarettes, the campaign added.

In the U.S., 46,000 smokers have lung cancer caused by smoking. In addition to the costs of cigarettes, lighters and related paraphernalia, smokers have to pay for additional doctor visits and, at worst, radiation or chemotherapy.

Common methods include gums, lozenges, patches, inhalers and nasal sprays, which can be purchased at local drug stores with valid identification.

These products provide the nicotine dosage that would otherwise come from a cigarette.

These methods can cost between $30 and $100 per month, which is more than one package of cigarettes, but the long term effects will lead to a decrease in monthly and yearly spending.

Jean Swearingen, medical director for Student Health Services, said SHS has a lot to offer.

“Our pharmacy has many over the counter options, such as gums and patches, which we offer at the lowest possible price,” Swearingen said.

“For other students interested in further assistance, a consultation with one of our medical providers can help assess the best options and we can arrange follow-up visits and support,” she added.

According to Swearingen, any medication purchased from the SHS pharmacy can be put on a student’s account to be paid at a later date.

For more information on tobacco and methods for quitting,  students can visit the Health Promotion and Wellness department at wellness.ilstu.edu, the Student Health Services at shs.ilstu.edu or by calling (800) 784-8669, a service that will direct callers to local quit lines in the area.