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.
#DITCHVAPE
The most recent National Youth Tobacco Survey showed e-cigarette use was up 78% among high school students and 48% among middle schoolers in just one year. In addition, the frequency of use among current high school e-cigarette users surged with nearly 28% vaping more than 20 times per month.
You can get help quitting by texting DITCHVAPE to 88709.
Click here for more information.
N.C. Tobacco Treatment Standard of Care
Health professionals can have a tremendous impact on helping patients to quit tobacco use. Click here to learn best practice protocols.
To learn more about the Duke-UNC Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) training, click here.
Free or Reduced-Price Quit Medication
NC MedAssist can provide qualifying patients with free Chantix or nicotine nasal spray
Pfizer Pathways, a patient assistance program for Chantix
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 NRTs.
Most private insurance plans do 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.