Quit Line Quadruples Meds for Limited Time

New year, new youThe Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line is quadrupling the length of free medications for all Wisconsin residents who want to rethink their tobacco use–for a limited time only.

The Quit Line has long mailed a free two-week starter kit of nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges, or nicotine gum to eligible tobacco users. But beginning January 1, the Quit Line will offer eight weeks of free medication to support New Year’s resolutions.

People can register for confidential Quit Line services 24/7 in any of three ways:

“Now’s the perfect time to rethink your interest in quitting tobacco use,” said Dr. Michael Fiore, an expert on tobacco use at the University of Wisconsin. “You can reach out to the Quit Line and go at your own pace. You get to decide how you change your tobacco use and when.”

Quit coaches from the Quit Line invite people who smoke, vape, or chew tobacco products to think about quitting or consider changing their tobacco use. They develop an individualized plan to help them. They support the person to reach their goals along their individualized timeline.

“Our coaches are friendly, welcoming, and won’t judge people who engage with us,” said Quit Line Coordinator Kate Kobinsky.

The Quit Line offers tips for changing tobacco use, such as:

  • Consider asking people not to smoke or vape around you, since it’s a trigger for urges.
  • Alcohol can trigger your urge to smoke or vape.
  • Drink water. It can help get you through urges.
  • Schedule fun things to keep your mind off tobacco products.
  • Keep your hands and mouth busy. Try carrots, straws, pretzel sticks, or gum.
  • Take deep breaths. You’d do so while smoking; now take healthy breaths without the negativity.
  • Exercise. Schedule walks with a friend.
  • Reduce stress—take a warm bath, get more sleep.
  • Know that cravings will soon pass.
  • Remind yourself why you are changing your tobacco use.
  • Plan a trip with the money you’ll save by smoking or vaping less.

“When you’re ready,” Kobinsky said, “we’re ready to help.”