Smoking Cessation
Quitting tobacco and nicotine isn’t easy, but it can lead to a lot of positives. Quitting smoking can save upwards of a thousand dollars a year, increases life expectancy, and lowers the risk of many health issues. Quitting tobacco and nicotine can generate benefits at any age – even those who have used tobacco for years can see benefits.
The Whole U is partnering with the WA Department of Health, the Health Care Authority, and the UW School of Public Health’s Health Promotion Research Center (HPRC) to spread awareness of current tobacco and nicotine cessation benefits and resources.
If you or a loved one are thinking about quitting, then you should know there are many resources out there to help and several of them are free or covered by your health insurance.
Utilize your health insurance
All of UW’s health insurance plans offer online resources to help you quit. Some plans also offer counseling and nicotine replacement therapies. If you are ready to make this lifestyle change, visit your health insurance provider website to learn more.
Quitlines and quitting support via coaching
A Quitline is a toll-free number you can call or text for free, confidential, one-on-one counseling from a Quit Coach (often someone who used to use tobacco), and you may be eligible for free medication to help you quit smoking, vaping, or other tobacco products.
By calling a Quitline, you get connected with a quit coach and they help you to generate a quit plan. You can call a Quitline numerous times if you’d like, there’s no limit!
Washington State Quitline:
- Serving everyone in Washington State
- Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) Visit quitline.com Text READY to 200-400
Asian Smokers Quitline:
- Serving Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese speakers nationwide
- Mandarin or Cantonese: 1-800-838-8917
- Korean: 1-800-556-5564
- Vietnamese: 1-800-778-8440
Outlast Tobacco Quitline:
- Serving LGBTQIA+
- Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) Text QUITNOW to 333888
Veterans Quitline:
- Serving veterans
- Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838)
This is Quitting:
- Serving young adults ages 13-24
- Text VAPEFREEWA to 88709
Live Vape Free:
- Serving young adults aged 13-26
- Text VAPEFREE to 873373
2Morrow Health:
- Serving those who prefer a phone app. Has a version for vaping.
- Download the smartphone app in your app store
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
NRT decreases the physical symptoms of quitting tobacco by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, so it’s recommended to also use some form of coaching or other quit program (for example, a Quitline) to help with the psychological or emotional side of quitting.
The FDA has approved the following types of NRT: patch, gum, nasal spray, inhalers, and lozenges. Some of these, like the patch, gum, and lozenge, can be bought over the counter, but the others (the nasal spray and inhaler) require a prescription. Most health insurance covers the cost of NRT.
While NRT is most helpful for people who smoke tobacco, those who use smokeless tobacco can still find it useful. Combining long-acting NRT, like the patch, with fast-acting NRT, like gum, can be most effective at reducing withdrawal symptoms, but it’s best to talk with your doctor about the optimal approach for you. Read more about NRT below2.
Patch: This provides a decreasing amount of nicotine via the skin and can range from 16 to 24-hour patches that you use over the course of a few weeks.
Gum: With NRT gum, the nicotine is absorbed via your gums. This method is fast-acting, and you’re able to control the amount of nicotine you absorb by how long you chew the gum.
Nasal spray: This provides nicotine via the bloodstream and is fast-acting. The general recommendation is to use one or two does per hour, and to not use this for longer than 6 months.
Inhalers: This provides nicotine to the bloodstream via the mouth and throat, not via the lungs. It’s recommended to slowly taper off use over the course of 6 months.
Lozenge: Available at different strength levels. Nicotine is absorbed in the mouth, like the NRT gum. It’s recommended to stop use after 12 weeks.
Prescription Medications
In addition to the resources above, there are prescription medications available to help you with your quit efforts. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get these medications for free or at a reduced rate. Some of the most effective medications for cessation are:
Varenicline (also known as Chantix)
This medication has 2 main effects: it reduced withdrawal symptoms, and it reduces the pleasure you can get from using tobacco. Studies have shown that it helps protect against both short term and long-term relapse.
Bupropion (also known as Zyban, Wellbutrin, or Aplenzin)
This medication decreases cravings and other withdrawal symptoms but does not contain nicotine.
Smoking Policy
While we are a smoke-free campus, you can find the specifics of UW’s policy, as well as designated smoking locations, by visiting the Environmental Health and Safety smoking policy page.