Three out of four smokers would like to quit. But nicotine is addictive. It is very hard to quit.

Most people try to quit many times before they can quit for good. But it’s never too early or too late for you to quit smoking. Finding the right method can be the key to help you quit for good. Quitting smoking can improve your health and help you live longer.

Your doctor can be a great resource to help you quit. Talk to your doctor about your goals to quit. If you don’t have a doctor and need help finding one, call us. Call us at 866-833-5717 to talk to one of our care coordinators. Call Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

MEDICATIONS AND COUNSELING

With Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program), you have benefits that can help you quit smoking. This means things like counseling and medications. Nicotine patches, gums, or lozenges are covered. Inhalers and pills are also covered. Click here and here to learn more. 

Less than one in 10 people can quit without using medication. Medications can help you handle withdrawal symptoms. They can also help with cravings. They can also help you stay driven to quit. Using approved medication can double your chances of quitting with success!

Here are some medications that can help you quit:

• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This means things like patches, gum, lozenges, or nose sprays. It also means inhalers. Inhalers are also known by the brand name Nicotrol.

• Oral medications/pills.

o   Varenicline. This pill blocks the effects of nicotine in your brain that make you want to smoke. It can also help withdrawal symptoms. It is also known by the brand name Chantix.

o   Bupropion SR. This pill is an antidepressant. It can also help you quit smoking. It is also known by the brand name Zyban.

Counseling can also help you quit. It can help you learn how to cope with stress, urges to smoke, and other things. Many people find counseling helpful to quit for good.

COACHING AND MOTIVATION

Here are some resources to help you choose how to quit and quit at your own pace:

• The Colorado QuitLine can help you quit forever. They have free personalized coaching. They can give you free nicotine patches or gum. If you’re a Colorado resident age 15 and older and you are ready to quit smoking, you can call the free QuitLine for help. If you’re not sure you’re ready to quit smoking, the QuitLine can still help you. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit their website to learn more.

• Tobacco Free CO has free resources to help you quit.

• This Is Quitting is a free program where you can share stories with others who are trying to quit. Visit their website to learn more and sign up.

If you are pregnant or a new parent, here are some more resources for you:

• Baby and Me – Tobacco Free Program has free counseling. They also have coupons for free diapers for you, and members of your household, who quit and stay tobacco free. Visit their website to learn more. Click here to find a program place near you.

• The Colorado QuitLine has a special program to help you quit smoking during your pregnancy. This program also helps you stay smoke-free after your baby is born. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669). Or visit their website to learn more. Be sure to tell them you’re pregnant so you can sign up for this program.

• Our Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby program can also help you quit smoking. Click here to learn more.

Click here for a guide with more resources. This means things like smartphone apps, online, and local resources.