Host: How many people quit smoking each year? Eletta Hansen: Two-thirds of all smokers are considering quitting smoking; one-fourth of those will make a serious quit attempt this year, only about seven percent will be successful on their first try. Remember this is a chronic and addictive disease. It may take several attempts to quit smoking, and people who failed on their first attempt should not be discouraged. We are here today, to give you some specific steps on how to quit smoking.