Alerts:  Nov. 12, 2024: Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak confirmed in Spokane County. SRHD urges parents and pregnant people to vaccinate. Read the press release.

Cessation

Commercial Tobacco, Vaping & Youth Cannabis Prevention

Commercial tobacco and vaping cessation reduces the risk of premature death, improves health, and enhances quality of life. Quitting can add as much as a decade to life expectancy. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average person tries to quit between eight and 11 times before they succeed.

There are many ways to quit nicotine products and a wide range of resources to help. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), in combination with counseling support, is the best way to quit commercial tobacco and nicotine products. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) works by reducing the severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms by partially replacing nicotine previously obtained from tobacco.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies

Nicotine Replacement Therapies

There are five types of nicotine replacement therapy:

  • Skin Patch* - a transdermal patch that gradually releases nicotine into the body through the skin
  • Gum* - a type of chewing gum that delivers nicotine to the body
  • Lozenge* - a tablet (usually flavored) that contains a dose of nicotine which dissolves slowly in the mouth to release the nicotine
  • Inhaler - a nicotine replacement device used for smoking cessation, consisting of a mouthpiece and a cartridge containing a nicotine-imbibed plug
  • Nasal spray - a nasal spray that contains a small dose of nicotine, which enters the blood by being absorbed through the lining of the nose

*Available without a prescription.

Non-Nicotine Medications

Non-Nicotine Medications

There are two non-nicotine medications:

  • Bupropion - an oral prescription medication that reduces tobacco cravings
  • Varenicline - a prescription medication used to treat nicotine addiction

For more information about these cessation methods, please visit the FDA website.

Help With Quitting

Individuals can call the Washington State Quitline and talk to a Quit Coach to get free, confidential counseling.

  • Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1.800.784.8669);
  • Visit quitline.com; or
  • Text READY to 200-400

Learn more here.


How to Make Commercial Tobacco and Vaping Quit Kits

Here is a quick overview on how to build a helpful quit kit for individuals who use commercial tobacco and vapor products and are ready to quit. Methods vary, but this is the process used by SRHD program staff. The entire SRHD kit is built around a water bottle, which is used to contain all of the quit kit “goodies.” This reduces packaging waste and makes assembly simple.

Each water bottle contains gum, toothpicks, small straws, a stress ball, and a Washington State Quitline card. A small flyer with the following text is also included in the quit kit:

What’s in the quit kit?

  • Water bottle: When you are quitting smoking, drink plenty of water.
  • Straws: Use straws to help you keep your hands and mouth busy.
  • Gum: When you have a craving, chew gum instead of smoking.
  • Cinnamon toothpicks: Use a toothpick to keep your mouth busy and ease a craving.
  • Quit line card: Take advantage of 24-hour phone support by calling 1-800-QUITNOW
  • Smart Quit app: Check out a free app designed to help you overcome urges to smoke.

For more information about how to make kits, please contact Amanda Dugger at adugger@srhd.org or 509.324.1618.

Resources