The end of the spring semester can be a time of change. There’s a lot on the horizon: Whether it’s finding a job, planning a trip or making a plan to quit tobacco, having support can go a long way toward reaching your goals.
What are some things to consider when quitting?
Quitting tobacco use is beneficial to both your physical and mental health. However, quitting takes time and energy, so being prepared and learning what works and what doesn’t can help ensure your success. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- 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.
- Share your plan with a few close friends or family members and ask for their support to stay on track.
- Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches, gum and lozenges can reduce withdrawal symptoms and minimize cravings. These are use-specific doses of nicotine, unlike vaping, and are designed to help people step down their use while limiting exposure to other chemicals.
- While cravings can be tough, they typically don’t last more than 1- 5 minutes. Having a distraction such as a mobile game or a Rubik’s Cube can help keep you occupied until the craving passes.
- Practicing stress management and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, exercising and reading can help prevent relapse.
Be patient with yourself. Quitting tobacco takes time, commitment and self-love. If you slip and use tobacco or other nicotine products, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve learned something new about what worked and what didn’t. Apply that knowledge and continue forward. Many tobacco users try several times before they are able to quit for good.
What resources can help me quit?
- Health Promotion (on campus) offers free quit kits, one-on-one tobacco coaching and workshops to support students with explore their relationship with tobacco, identify goals and create a plan. Visit Wardenburg 130 or call 303-492-2937 to schedule an appointment.
- The Colorado QuitLine is a free online resource for Colorado residents 15 years of age and older. It offers resources including community support and online or over-the-phone coaching.
- Smokefree.gov is an interactive website that can help with creating a quit plan and includes apps and a mobile version for accessing cessation resources on the go. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Kill the Can offers support and resources for those looking to quit smokeless tobacco like chew and dip.
- This is Quitting is a free app that allows you to connect with real people who have quit JUULs and cigarettes. The app offers free messaging, structured exercises and other training tools to help you be successful.
Healthy Buffs is a weekly series with tips and information on a variety of health topics important to college students.
