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Smoking: Keys to Quit

Make your next attempt your last

A Veterans smiles about his success quitting smokingQuitting smoking isn’t easy. Many people try 5, 10, or even 15 times to stop smoking. Withdrawal symptoms and triggers to smoke can make even the strongest stumble. The good news is VA offers proven treatments to help Veterans successfully quit. Together, counseling and medication give you the best chance of quitting smoking. Learn more about how to quit and how VA can help you.

Medication

Once you stop smoking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or triggers that’ll make you want to smoke. That’s where medication can help. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like the nicotine patch or gum, can help curb your physical symptoms. By managing your cravings, you can go through your smoke-free life more smoothly.

Counseling

Over time, smoking becomes a part of your daily life. Nicotine is highly addictive, and that alone can make you want to smoke. You also start linking smoking with everyday routines or feelings, which makes it harder to quit. Counseling gives you the skills to notice these triggers and develop strategies to resist smoking. Talk to your provider about the options available to you. Or call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, to talk to a quit coach.

My HealtheVet can help

When you’re ready, VA has a proven road map to help you quit. We can provide various tools and resources to help you along the journey. If you have questions, send your health care team a Secure Message. Or, if you’re not sure where to start, schedule an appointment to talk about your options.

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How to Quit (VA)

TXT Messages to Help You Quit (Smokefree Veterans)

Get Help from Medications (Smokefree Veterans)

Updated July 7, 2022