Nicotine information

Photo of a person holding a vape.

Overview

Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound that is found in tobacco plants. Many products contain nicotine, including cigarettes, vapes, cigars, chewing tobacco, wet and dry snuff, nicotine pouches (e.g., Zyn), pipe tobacco and more. Because of its addictive properties, nicotine can be difficult to quit. However, there are a number of resources available that can help.


Quitting nicotine

There are many reasons someone may choose to quit nicotine, including addressing health concerns, finances or relationships.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

  • Creating a detailed plan before you quit increases your likelihood of success.
  • Using stress management and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, exercising and engaging in joyful activities can help prevent relapse.
  • Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as the patch, gum and/or cough drops can reduce withdrawal symptoms and help minimize cravings.
  • People are most successful at quitting nicotine products when they combine NRT or other pharmaceutical aids with cessation counseling and support.
  • While cravings can be tough, they actually don’t last more than 1 – 5 minutes. Having a distraction such as a mobile game or a Rubik’s Cube can help until the craving passes.

Nicotine coaching

Coaching can help you create a detailed plan before you quit, including setting a start date, determining if you want to use a quit-aid and identifying potential triggers.

Health Promotion at CU Boulder offers free nicotine coaching appointments.

Schedule a nicotine coaching appointment 


Support apps

Did you know that there are apps that can help you quit nicotine? Here are a few to try.

   Please note: Data collection varies by app.

EasyQuit

EasyQuit is an app that can help you break your smoking habit. It's designed to help you quit over time, learn about scientific health statistics, track money saved, earn motivational badges and more.

  Apple App Store

  Google Play

Quit Genius

Quit Genius provides free, confidential, virtual addiction treatment solutions for tobacco, alcohol and opioids. 

  Apple App Store

  Google Play

Kwit

Kwit is an app that can help you combat the side effects of stopping nicotine, track your brogress, tackle cravings and more. 

  Apple App Store

  Google Play

Quit Tracker

Quit Tracker allows you track how much money you've saved, how many cigarettes you haven't smoked, how long you've been smoke-free and the amount of time you've regained since quitting.

  Apple App Store

  Google Play

quitSTART

The quitSTART is a smartphone app that can help you quit smoking with tailored tips, inspiration and challenges.

  Apple App Store

  Google Play

WHO Quit

This app was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide methods and strategies to help you successfully quit nicotine. 

  Apple App Store

  Google Play


Additional resources

Looking for more support? Here are some additional resources to check out.

The Colorado QuitLine offers free phone and texting support for those looking to quit nicotine.

  • Call: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
  • Text: DITCHVAPE to 88709

Tobacco use remains the number one preventable cause of death and disease in Boulder County. Learn more about tobacco use, prevention and ways to quit.

Smoke Free is an online resource that can help those who want to quit, recently quit or want to stay nicotine-free.