The time to quit smoking is now
BROOKSVILLE – The Florida QuitLine (877-U-CAN-NOW) is offering free nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and counseling for those who want to kick the tobacco habit.
With the recent increase in the tobacco tax, many Floridians are faced with a tough decision in these already hard economic times – do they pay the extra dollar per pack or quit smoking for good.
Provided by the American Cancer Society and the Florida Department of Health, the QuitLine is a toll-free, telephone-based service that provides assistance to those who wish to quit using tobacco products.
The QuitLine provides free support and resources such as patches, gum and lozenges and confidential telephone counseling.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Group “in person” counseling is also available locally in Hernando County through Gulf Coast North Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Counseling sessions are facilitated by a trained healthcare professional in eight-week sessions for those who prefer group interaction.
Quitting smoking is very difficult and typically takes the average smoker approximately eight quit attempts to stop smoking for good.
According to The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tobacco Use and Dependence, NRT coupled with counseling, doubles the chances a smoker will successfully quit.
From setting a quit date, determining trigger situations, and helping during a relapse, specially trained QuitLine counselors help tobacco users develop a plan to finally rid themselves of tobacco and nicotine dependency.
For more information on the QuitLine, visit www.floridaquitline.com or by calling 877-822-6669 (877-U-CAN-NOW).
For information about local group cessation classes, call 540-6848.
