Not ready to quit today? You can still take an important first step to protecting children from secondhand smoke exposure by smoking outside and away from children. Take ONE Step to protect loved ones from secondhand smoke exposure.
Not sure what to do or have some unanswered questions? Give the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine a call today at 1-800-LUNGUSA. This free HelpLine is staffed by Registered Nurses and Respiratory Therapists who will gladly answer any questions you have about secondhand smoke, what quitting is like, tobacco cessation resources, asthma, lung diseases, and more!
Explore Different Cessation Resources
Telephone Support | Health Insurance, Medications, and Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) | Online and In-Person Support | Smartphone Apps
Telephone Support
Reach out to free support lines staffed by Tobacco Cessation Specialists to learn more about tobacco cessation, nicotine replacement therapies, and lung disease. These support lines provide customized quit plans, individualized coaching, and relapse prevention:
- American Lung Association Lung HelpLine: 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872)
- Colorado QuitLine: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Health Insurance, Medication, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) pays for counseling to help you quit smoking. They also pay for any federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications or products that can help you quit, for those who qualify. To get started, talk to your doctor about your tobacco use and quit goals, or call the Member Contact center at 1-800-221-3942 (ext. 711). To learn if you are eligible for Medicaid, or to apply, visit Colorado PEAK.
Medications/NRTs can double the chances of successfully quitting smoking for good by helping reduce withdrawal feelings and nicotine cravings (2). Most health insurance plans are required to cover some level of tobacco cessation treatment, some will also cover over the counter medications. To find out if your insurance provides this coverage, call their benefit line listed on the back of your insurance card or visit their website.
FDA approved medications and NRTs include:
- Over the counter – patches, gum, lozenges
- By prescription – inhaler, nasal spray, Chantix (varenicline), and Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion)
Some employers offer workplace wellness programs to their employees, that include cessation programs. Check with your Human Resource Department to see if your employer offers such a program to employees.
Online and In-Person Support
Support networks and programs are provided in-person and/or online. These are a great resource for those who are looking for a personal connection to accompany them on their quitting journey.
- American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking adult cessation program offered in-person, online, and through a self-guided workbook
- Additional websites to support those on their quitting journey:
- Lung.org
- Colorado QuitLine online program: CoQuitLine.org
- Smokefree.gov (and check out SmokefreeUS on Facebook)
Smartphone Apps
Apps are a handy way to manage your quitting journey by offering specialized help based on your smoking patterns, moods, reasons for quitting, and goals. These apps help you navigate your journey on the go and at your fingertips (1). For additional quit resources, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Quitting Resources” webpage.
- Quitter’s Circle – quitterscircle.com
- This is Quitting – thisisquitting.com
- QuitGuide – https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/apps/quitguide
- quitSTART – https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/apps/quitstart
Page last updated: August 7, 2024
