How To Quit Smoking & Other Tobacco: Veteran Resources
Tobacco and Health
VA Programs to Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use
It can be hard to quit tobacco and nicotine, but you’re more likely to succeed when you use the treatments and support VA offers to help Veterans stop smoking, chewing, or dipping. Explore treatment options and consult with your VA health care provider to create a plan that works for you.
Access the best treatment for tobacco use and nicotine dependence
Using counseling and medication together makes it more than four times as likely you’ll succeed than if you try to quit cold turkey. VA offers options for both to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
- Counseling: Individual and group counseling teaches you how to avoid or respond in healthy ways to the triggers that make you want to use tobacco. In group counseling, Veterans support and receive support from other Veterans. The camaraderie and encouragement can bolster your efforts.
- Medications: Prescription medications like varenicline and bupropion and nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum reduce your nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. By consulting with a VA health care provider and seeing what works best, you can find a treatment that works.
Create and implement your tobacco cessation action plan
Getting started is the most important step, and using treatment and support gets you closer to your goal.
- Tell your VA health care provider you want to quit. Your provider can help you develop a personalized plan and connect you to medication and counseling options.
- Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) to speak with VA-trained quit coaches. They’ll help you build a personalized plan and give ongoing support, including if you’re trying to get back on track after a recurrence of tobacco use.
- Take advantage of other tools and resources available to you as a Veteran:
- Sign up for SmokefreeVET to get daily text message tips and support.
- Download VA’s Stay Quit Coach app for help with setting goals, coping with urges, and tracking your progress.
Remember that every attempt to quit teaches you something that can help you stop for good. VA offers many treatment options and tools so you can find the combination that works for you. And you can build a quit plan online to help lay the foundation for your success and remind yourself of your reasons for quitting.
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