Quit Tobacco

Thinking about quitting smoking? Research shows you’ll be more successful if you have support to quit, have strategies to overcome stress and know how to manage your withdrawal symptoms. The following tips and resources can help you quit tobacco for good.

• Pick a quit date. It can be something meaningful like your child’s birthday, or a date after a big project when you know you won’t be as stressed.
• Tell your family and friends. Ask them for specific support, like calling you to see how you’re doing, or going for walks during your typical craving times.
• Talk to your doctor about treatment options. There are many choices for nicotine replacement therapy and other tools that can help you deal with tobacco withdrawal. The best option is one that is tailored to you and your needs.
• Remember that quitting takes time. Most people try many times to quit. If you’ve tried before, consider that an accomplishment that will help you learn what you need to be successful this time. Don’t stop quitting!
• Use the resources around you. Some people quit “cold turkey” but most of us need extra help. King County provides many benefits for quitting smoking including:

QuitNet — an online program that lets you choose the support that works best for you.

Group Health – nicotine replacement and Free and Clear program

KingCare℠ – prescription drugs and alternative treatment to ease nicotine withdrawal, over the counter drug coverage for nicotine replacement treatments (patches, gum)

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King County Smoking Cessation benefits
Contact us
Tobacco Toll Free Quit Line - 1-877-279-0624

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All King County employees and their families – try these free programs:

• QuitNet – this online program provides you with a customized action plan for quitting smoking. You log on and fill out information about your needs and resources. To start, go to www.QuitNet.com/KingCounty,
• Prefer to talk to someone? Call the King County Tobacco Quit Line for phone-based counseling at 1-877-279-0624

Most of all, know you can do it! Pick a date and go for it.

Education

Cigarette smoking has been identified as the most important source of preventable morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. Smoking costs the United States over $167 billion each year in health-care costs . . . Read more.

Resources and Tools

King County offers benefits to help you quit smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, prescription drug coverage to ease nicotine withdrawal, and more . . . Read more.

Success Stories

Read success stories of former smokers from the American Cancer Society Web site. Do you have a success story you'd like to share? Send us an e-mail health.matters@kingcounty.gov or call 206-205-5017 to inspire others.

My Community

The American Cancer Society lists local resources. You can enter your zip code and search for local support groups. You can also participate in message boards with others who share your struggle and send e-cards to friends and family asking for their support. Read more.