VA invites you to join the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 21! Whether the Smokeout marks your quit day or inspires you to stick to your quit plan, there’s no better day to celebrate a life free from smoking.
Quitting smoking improves the health of your entire body. It not only lowers your risk for cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder, but also sharpens your vision, increases the effectiveness of some medications and may help in alleviating chronic pain.
Plus, your loved ones will benefit when you quit smoking by no longer inhaling secondhand smoke, which can make breathing more difficult and may contribute to symptoms of respiratory disease.
VA has tools built with your needs in mind to help you live a life without cigarettes. Before, during and after the Smokeout, check out the resources below to start enjoying a better you.
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’d like to quit, but I can’t deal with the cravings”?
Talk to your doctor about using the nicotine patch, gum, or lozenge — or other medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration — to help manage the withdrawal symptoms as you quit. View a video to learn about VA’s proven approach to smoking cessation, combining counseling with medication.
Have you ever wanted to talk to someone about your quit plan and find professional support?
VA’s free telephone quitline, 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838), offers smoking cessation counseling to Veterans who receive their health care through VA. Quit VET is staffed by trained counselors who will help you during any phase of quitting — whether you are just starting your journey or trying to get back on track after a slip.
Do you need support before your quit day and throughout your quit journey?
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Sign up for SmokefreeVET by texting VET to 47848 to receive texts with tips and tools to beat the urge to smoke whenever it crops up. Remember to plan small rewards for yourself and ways to celebrate milestones on your quit journey with your family members and friends!
Create a better today for yourself and the people you care about on this year’s Great American Smokeout. Set up an appointment at your local VA medical center with your primary care or mental health provider, who can provide a proven combination of medication and counseling to help you quit smoking. There’s a counseling method designed to fit your needs, along with programs unique to your VA medical center.
Need more guides, tools, videos and resources for quitting? Visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco.
