The American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout is Thursday, Nov. 15. Employees can double their chances of quitting tobacco by using at least one of the resources listed below.
Self-help materials are available through the American Cancer Society and the State Health Plan to help individuals to quit smoking, no matter where they are in the process. These materials help prepare a person for the quit attempt, develop strategies to help with cravings and prevent relapse once he/she quits. The self-help materials offer proven methods that are easy to follow.
Support programs can be in a variety of forms – group smoking cessation programs, Internet resources, referral programs or support groups. To learn about the options, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or www.cancer.org or the State Health Plan at http://shpnc.org/ncHealthSmart/default.aspx.
Telephone counseling is a proven, confidential counseling method completed that will support individuals and help them stay focused on quitting. Contact QuitlineNC at 800-784-8669 or click on http://www.quitlinenc.com/ to find out more about it.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can relieve many of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person stops smoking. Prescription medicines like Bupropion (Zyban) and Varenicline (Chantix) also can help a person to quit. Research indicates that using medication can double the chance of successfully quitting. The State Health Plan covers these prescription medications and physician and behavioral health counseling related to smoking cessation.