Department of Human Resources

Quit Smoking Resources

Did you know? ...that the increased risk for developing prostate cancer as a smoker disappears over time once you quit?

Wikepedia Encyclopedia - Smoking cessation (commonly known as quitting, or kicking the habit) is the effort to stop smoking tobacco products. Nicotine is a psychologically and physically addictive substance, and quitting smoking is commonly considered to be difficult. Psychological and pharmacological aids are available to help people quit smoking, although success rates are relatively low. As part of the wider tobacco control movement, there have been numerous advertising campaigns, smoking restriction policies, tobacco taxes, and other strategies to encourage people to quit smoking. Tobacco use is a major cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

What is available from the University of Minnesota UPlan through Health Connections /Healthways' Tobacco Cessation Program?

Healthways’ Tobacco Cessation Program is part of the University of Minnesota’s UPlan Health Connections program options for smoking cessation. To enroll into the Lifestyle Management Program for smoking cessation as UPlan members, please call 1-877-247-9204. If you complete the program and have not already received a second incentive payment, you can earn another $65. More information may be found at
http://www.d.umn.edu/umdhr/wellness/quithc.doc

What is available in Duluth and it is free?

QUITPLAN CENTER is located in St. Mary's Duluth Clinic Heart Center, 407 East Third Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55805, 218-786-2677. QUITPLAN offers individualized plans for quitting tobacco use.

Who can use the QUITPLAN Center?

• QUITPLAN serves anyone over 18 who lives or works in Minnesota
• QUITPLAN serves people using any form of tobacco who want to quit in the next 30 days.

What does it cost?

• The Tobacco Settlement of 1998, through a grant from Clearway Minnesota, funds this program.
• The grant covers costs for those who do not have insurance.
• For individuals with insurance, charges are first billed to the insurance company. If not covered by insurance, charges are covered by the grant.
  
  Note: Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), chantix and Zyban as prescribed by a physician are covered for UPlan members (those with the University of Minnesota medical insurance). Check with your medical plan provider for coverage of other products.

How does it work?

• There is an initial visit to review history, examine motivations for quitting, set a quit date, discuss medications and products available, identify triggers and outline strategies
• Ongoing support is tailored to meet your needs.

What about nicotine replacement products?

• QUITPLAN can provide 8 weeks of over-the-counter nicotine products to individuals who either have no insurance or whose insurance does not cover these products. They can order patches, gum or lozenges. Orders can be shipped directly to the patient's home.
• QUITPLAN can inform patients about prescription cessation products and medications, and facilitate connection to a provider who can prescribe them when appropriate.

The QUITPLAN Center is staffed by Tobacco Treatment Specialists trained at the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center. For appointments, call 218-786-2677.

Other Helpful Resources

American Cancer Association - Get the facts about what cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco do to your body, your wallet, and the health of those around you.

Achieve Laser - Quit Smoking With Laser Therapy Treatment

American Heart Association Smoking Cessation - online information

American Lung Asociation, Freedom from Smoking - Freedom from Smoking Online is American Lung Association's free online smoking cessation program! Quitting smoking can evoke a lot of feelings: fear, resentment, relief, and so on. If you stay committed to the program and complete all of the assignments you have a good chance of remaining smoke-free for good. Millions of people have quit smoking and you can do it too!

Familydoctor.org - Smoking Cessation in Recovering Alcoholics

freshairmn.org - The Freedom to Breathe Implementation Coalition is comprised of statewide organizations that are committed to supporting Minnesota's successful transition to a smoke-free state.

Journal of American Medical Association - online information

Mayo Clinic, Take It One Step At a Time - Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of virtually every type of complex illness.

Medica Tobacco Cessation Brochure

National Cancer Institute - NCI provides cancer related information for your general knowledge. Cancer information specialists can answer your questions about cancer and help you with quitting smoking.

Quitnet/Quit Altogether - Learn from science-based smoking cessation resources, get quitting tips and advice from expert counselors, get support from the QuitNet community, create your own quit smoking plan and get help when you need it and have fun!

QUITPLAN - Minnesota residents have free access to all QUITPLAN Services. Call 1-888-354-PLAN to find out which service is best for you:

• QUITPLAN Helpline - talk with a counselor to create a personalized plan to quit that may include free nicotine replacement therapy;
• QUITPLAN Center - located in various health care settings, QUITPLAN centers provide face-to-face counseling and nicotine replacement therapy;
• quitplan.com - this interactive website feature encouragement forums and emails, self-evaluation and counselor assistance.

smokefree.gov - Offers online guide for the first days and the first year; expert help by talking to a counselor who can help, by phone or instant message; online materials that have helped other smokers quit; and results of research studies of smokers who were trying to quit.

Smoking Cessation - At Smoking Cessation.org, you'll learn how to break down your smoking triggers and overcome your nicotine addiction. You'll educate yourself about the health risks of smoking and learn how to escape the cycle of quitting and then slipping up and smoking again. You'll find helpful tips, new smoking cessation methods, and the latest information that will help you quit smoking for good...The key is making the effort to quit and rewarding yourself for taking those difficult steps.

United States Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tobacco Cessation - The latest information to help people quit smoking, and to help health care professionals treat tobacco use and dependence.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health.

WebMD Smoking Cessation Health Center - Find in-depth information to help you quit smoking including smoking cessation techniques and products.