Quitting Tobacco Use
Quitting tobacco use is one of the best things you can do for your health. You can double or triple your chances for success if you combine quit counseling with one or more FDA-approved quit medications.
Quitline NC
QuitlineNC is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to walk you through your quit journey. Register online or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and a quit coach will create an individualized quit plan. Nicotine replacement therapy (i.e. nicotine patch + gum/lozenge) can be mailed to the home of eligible callers.
See chart below for current services provided by QuitlineNC.
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Take Pride in your Health and live tobacco-free. Help is available 24/7.
EX Program
Since 2008, EX Program by Truth Initiative has collaborated with the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center to bring you proven evidence-based quitting approaches and the most established online quit community. Anyone age 13 years old and up can access this free 24/7 quit support.
You can get help quitting by texting "VapeFreeNC" to 88709.
N.C. Tobacco Treatment Standard of Care
Health professionals can have a tremendous impact on helping patients to quit tobacco use.
Learn about the Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) training.
Free or Reduced-Price Quit Medication
NC MedAssist can provide nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for some agencies serving uninsured or behavioral health services. They also have reduced-cost non-nicotine quit medicines that require a prescription (i.e., varenicline or Wellbutrin).
Medicaid will pay for all FDA-approved quit medications; however, a prescription is required. QuitLineNC can provide a prescription (standing order) for the over-the-counter NRT.
Most private insurance plans cover the cost of FDA-approved medications; contact your plan provider.
Electronic cigarettes (vapes) are not proven as quit devices; they maintain addiction and have negative health consequences.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Using nicotine replacement therapy (i.e., nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray or inhaler) requires some education on appropriate use. QuitLineNC provides helpful educational handouts on using NRT.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on tobacco use and quitting among individuals with behavioral health conditions.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Behavioral Health Treatment Services: A confidential and anonymous source of information on treatment facilities.