Quit Smoking & Vaping
Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. This is true no matter how old you are or how long you have smoked. The good news is there are proven treatments that can help you quit.
Many people who smoke become addicted to nicotine, a drug that is found naturally in tobacco. This can make it hard to quit smoking. For many smokers, it can take many quit attempts before being successful. But the good news is the more times you try to quit, the more likely you are to be successful, So, keep trying!
Many treatments and resources may be available to you for free of charge or may be covered by your insurance.
Quitting smoking and vaping reduces your risk of:
- heart disease
- cancer
- lung disease
- other smoking-related illnesses like asthma
NOTE: Using counseling and medication together gives you the best chance of quitting for good.
Counseling
Counseling can help you make a plan to quit smoking. When trying to quit, counseling can also prepare you to cope with:
- stress
- urges to smoke
- other issues
Text to Quit Programs
A popular new method for quitting is text messaging programs. These are free and especially popular among young people. After signing up using a mobile phone, these programs provide the following for helping you become smoke free:
- 24/7 encouragement
- advice
- tips
These programs will send text messages that include:
- pre and post quit educational messages.
- peer ex-smoker messages.
- medication reminders and relapse messages.
- opportunities for interaction.
NOTE: You can sign up or opt-out at any time.
- The Truth Initiative - THIS IS QUITTING
-
Anonymous text-to-quit program for youth.
Text DITCHVAPE to 88709.
Parents can get help supporting their teen to quit vaping.
Text "QUIT" to 202-899-7550.
- QUITXT
- Text-message quit support, educational videos, and testimonials.
Text iquit6 to 844-332-2058
Talk to a Counselor
- Texas DSHS Quitline
- Phone-based counseling, no-cost nicotine replacement therapy and self-help.
1-877-YES-QUIT (1-877-937-7848)
- American Lung Association
- Lung help line and tobacco quit line phone-based counseling.
1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)
Treatments & Medications
Medications can help you manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This will help you stay confident and motivated to quit.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT includes several options:
You can combine NRT medications to increase your chances of quitting. Use a long-acting form of NRT (nicotine patch) together with a short-acting form (nicotine gum or lozenge).
Pill Prescriptions
You can talk to your health care provider about using a pill prescription medication. Varenicline and buproprion are pill prescription medications you can discuss with your doctor.