Dear Dr. Levister:  I am a black female age 41, I've tried to quit smoking but with the stress of my recent divorce I fell off the wagon.  I'm serious about quitting. I've tried the nicotine patch, hypnosis and cold turkey. Nothing works. What should I do? Frustrated

Dear Frustrated: It's time to see your doctor or health care provider. Chances are you won't quit without medical help.  Whether you crave cigarettes when you're stressed out, bored, after eating, or just light up with the girls, whether you are a two-pack-a-day or social smoker, it's easy to start, hard to quit. In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 70 percent of current smokers wanted to quit and 41 percent had tried the preceding year. African-Americans found it hardest to kick the habit of all racial groups, all the more reason that we should never begin.

Dr. Ernest Levister Jr.

Like you, most new smokers don't see addiction coming. The wake-me-up, pick-me-up, after dinner, stress relief smokes turn into must-have coping strategies, helping them to get through life's daily dramas. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services understands this behavioral and physical addiction connection. As a result it recommends that both "social" and "chain" smokers should be treated aggressively with the help of a doctor, or certified smoking cessation specialist. Free clinics are available through your local Social-Services agency. Join a support group of Black women, friends or family members who want to quit. Cicely Tyson joined "Circle of Friends," in memory of her late sister who battled tobacco addition most of her life.  The initiative is designed to raise awareness about the toll tobacco-related disease takes on women and the importance of getting and offering support to those struggling with tobacco addiction.  Call 800 243-7000 for more information.

A popular, program among Black women is "Not in Mama's Kitchen" funded by California's African-American Tobacco Education Network. This campaign uses the power of respect, family, church and food to help Black women quit smoking. Visit www.BlackWomensHealth.Org. Click on: smoking-cessation.