Annual Great American Smokeout Thursday November 20th

The annual Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 20. The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, encourages people who currently smoke or vape to quit—even if it’s just for one day.

This year, members of the East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention say there are more tools than ever before to help people explore how to quit.

“Quitting any nicotine product will be just about the hardest thing you will ever do. If a person is thinking about changing the way they use tobacco or nicotine, there are lots of ways to get support,” said Johanna Brotz, coalition’s coordinator. “People use tobacco and vapes for many different reasons, so it’s important to find support that works for you, especially when you’re dealing with an addiction as powerful as nicotine.”

Johanna laid out several free resources in Wisconsin to help people quit commercial tobacco, including:

• Wisconsinites can access the free Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line by texting READY to 34191. Residents aged 13 and up can also reach the Quit Line 24/7 by calling 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or by visiting WiQuitLine.org. Visitors to the web site can register online, live chat with quit coaches, or simply learn more about the program before enrolling.
• Teens and young adults (13-26) who want to learn about how to quit vaping can text VAPEFREE to 873373 for free help via text from the Live Vape Free program. People over age 18 may be eligible for no-cost nicotine replacement therapy.
• The American Indian Quit Line at 888-7AI-QUIT (888-724-7848) offers free culturally tailored support for indigenous people who want to quit commercial tobacco.
• First Breath is Wisconsin’s free program to help women make positive changes to their tobacco, alcohol and substance use during pregnancy and beyond. Learn more at the First Breath website www.joinfirstbreath.org.
• The Medicaid program provides free quit smoking services and medications. People enrolled in Medicaid can talk to their health care provider to access these benefits.
  There are many benefits to cessation. Quitting nicotine at any age leads to immediate benefits like improved breathing, better circulation, and reduced cravings within days to weeks. Over the long term, it lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer while greatly improving overall quality of life.