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Telephone Counseling
You can develop a quitting plan that’s right for you—by working one-on-one with a trained telephone counselor.
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Self-help Materials
To receive a free packet of materials explaining the nuts and bolts of quitting, call 1-800-NO-BUTTS or click learn more.
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Online Help
If online is more your speed, you can develop your own quitting plan on The California Smoker’s Helpline website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The last time I tried to quit smoking, I failed. How do I keep trying if I keep failing?
The last time I tried to quit smoking, I failed. How do I keep trying if I keep failing?
A:Most people try a number of times before they quit for good. So it’s important to keep trying. Every quit attempt is a success, no matter how long it lasts. What worked and what didn’t work? There’s a lot to learn from each time you try. Keep in mind that you never fail unless you stop trying.
–California Smokers’ Helpline
Should I use the patches or some other quitting aid?
Should I use the patches or some other quitting aid?
A:Quitting aids do help people quit. The most common ones are nicotine patches, gum & lozenges. Some people also use medication like Zyban® and Chantix®. And some people still quit cold turkey, without any quitting aids. In any case, it’s a personal choice. Your doctor can help you decide too. For more information about quitting aids click here.
–California Smokers’ Helpline
Will cutting down help me to quit?
Will cutting down help me to quit?
A:It could help, as long as you plan to quit totally. Cutting down may be a good way to practice quitting and to feel more confident. If you want to quit for good though, set a quit date and stick to it.
–California Smokers’ Helpline
What about electronic cigarettes?
What about electronic cigarettes?
A:At this time, they are not approved as a quitting aid.
Many pediatricians are concerned that e-cigarettes can lure teenagers into picking up vaping, and that this can start teens on the road to nicotine addiction. We should all discourage teens from using e-cigarettes.
Also, remember that secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes has not yet been studied, and we don’t know how it affects the people around you. Treat secondhand vape like secondhand smoke – and don’t vape around children or pets.
How will I feel when I quit?
How will I feel when I quit?
A:Quitting smoking can feel a little different for each person. But here are some things you may notice:
. A hard time being around smokers
. Good days and bad days
. Withdrawal symptoms, such as being annoyed
. Breathing easier
. Things that challenge your motivation to keep going
. Cravings that are strong at first, but weaker with time
. A growing sense of success
–California Smokers’ Helpline
How do I get started?
How do I get started?
A:Congratulations for asking this question! You may want to click through this whole section to get an idea. Here’s a quick look at some of the most important pages to read:
Consider using a quitting aid.
List your triggers to smoke and plan how you’ll deal with them.
Choose a Quit Day, and quit on that day.
–California Smokers’ Helpline