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This holiday season, I’d like to remind readers to thank a co-worker, friend or family member
who has quit vaping, smoking, or using other tobacco products. Many users say quitting is the hardest thing they have ever done and any amount of recognition can help someone stay quit.
Nicotine is the very addictive substance in tobacco and many vape products. As a result,
repeated tobacco and nicotine use is not a habit, it’s an addiction that should be treated as a
chronic relapsing condition. It takes most people with a nicotine addiction several tries to quit for good. So reach out to those who have conquered this addiction. Let them know you are proud of how hard they're working to better their wellbeing. Thank them for improving their health and the health of the people around them.
Even though the holidays can be a tough time to quit, they are a great time to support your
friends and loved ones who are trying to quit vaping, smoking or other tobacco products. Even if they have tried quitting in the past, encourage them to keep trying – they learn something new every time they try to quit. And share with them the many resources available in MA to help them reach their goal.
The most effective way to quit is to use FDA-approved medicines and coaching support
together. Nicotine users of all kinds can call 1-800-QUT NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free
coaching from the Massachusetts Smokers’ Helpline through phone, web, and text 24 hours
each day, seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) or enroll online through
KeepTryingMA.org. Adults who work with a coach can now receive up to eight weeks of free
nicotine patches, gum or lozenges (with medical eligibility) through the Smokers’ Helpline.
Smokers and vapers who get support and use medicines to quit are nearly three times as likely to quit for good as those who try to quit on their own.
Quitting is hard—give thanks to someone in your life for quitting or for trying to quit. Every email, text message, phone call, or encouraging word makes a difference.
Ashley Hall, MS, Program Director The Northeast Tobacco-Free Community Partnership
The Partnership supports communities’ efforts to lower smoking prevalence and exposure to secondhand smoke; enhances state and local tobacco control efforts by exposing tobacco industry tactics; mobilizes the community to support and adopt evidence-based policies; and changes social norms. Funded by the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program, Community Partnerships serve as a resource for local coalitions, health and human service agencies, municipalities, and workplaces on tobacco intervention efforts.
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