Quit-Smoking Programs

A good quit-smoking program can help a person quit smoking by providing support and encouragement. Programs are available for you to attend in-person, by telephone, or online (on the Internet). Look for a program that is led by someone who has had training in helping people quit smoking. Better in-person smoking…

Quit-Smoking Programs

Topic Overview

A good quit-smoking program can help a person quit smoking by providing support and encouragement. Programs are available for you to attend in-person, by telephone, or online (on the Internet). Look for a program that is led by someone who has had training in helping people quit smoking.

Better in-person smoking cessation programs:

  • Have at least 4 to 7 sessions that include self-help materials and individual or group counseling.
  • Have sessions that last at least 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Last at least a month past your quit date. Some programs spend several weeks preparing for the quit date. The program is often most useful after you have quit.
  • Are affordable. Many programs are free or low-cost. Others cost more. Some health insurance companies or employee assistance programs (EAPs) cover the cost of smoking cessation programs.

Telephone-based quit-smoking programs link callers to trained counselors. These counselors can help you put together a quit plan that is tailored to how you smoke, and they can also help you avoid common problems. This resource is available free of cost by calling the national tobacco quitline: 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Online quit-smoking programs may work for you if your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend in-person programs. There are many programs, such as the one at www.smokefree.gov, that offer programs and resources to help you quit smoking.

A text messaging program from www.smokefree.gov called SmokefreeTXT.

Most state health departments can recommend a program in your area.

Change your quit date to match the program date. In many communities, programs are only offered 2 to 3 times a year. Keep this in mind as you plan your time line for quitting.

Avoid any program that promises to make quitting easy or that sounds like it has the only answer or a “secret” method that works better than any other method. There are no “magic bullets.”

Health Tools

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.

Credits

Current as ofSeptember 26, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine
Christine R. Maldonado PhD – Behavioral Health

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.