All references to tobacco use are about the use of commercial tobacco products–not the sacred and traditional use of tobacco for ceremonial or medicinal purposes
Preparing
to Quit
Any time is a great time to quit.
The right mindset can make or break your effort to quit tobacco. Be positive and be realistic. Your habits won’t change overnight, but every day you go without tobacco is an achievement. Take it one day at a time and know that thousands of people just like you have quit tobacco successfully with help from the SC Tobacco Quitline.
Scroll to learn how you can set yourself up for success.
Preparing
to Quit
Any time is a great time to quit.
The right mindset can make or break your effort to quit tobacco. Be positive and be realistic. Your habits won’t change overnight, but every day you go without tobacco is an achievement. Take it one day at a time and know that thousands of people just like you have quit tobacco successfully with help from the SC Tobacco Quitline.
Scroll to learn how you can set yourself up for success.
TIP 1: Set a Quit Date
Setting a realistic quit date will give you time to prepare for success. Your Quit Coach will work with you to set a quit date, and will help you develop a detailed quit plan designed just for you.
TIP 2: Find Your Why
What’s important to you is important to us. Make a list of the reasons you want to quit and let us support you each step of the way. Look at your list often to help you stay on track.
TIP 3: Identify Triggers
Think ahead about routines, people, and other situations that may trigger a craving or relapse so you can be prepared to deal with these challenges.
TIP 4: Remove Reminders
Seeing reminders of tobacco products can make it harder to quit successfully. Remove reminders from your home, car, and workplace before you start your quit.
TIP 5: Stay Accountable
Tell your friends, family, and co-workers about your decision to quit so they can offer support and motivation, and keep you accountable.
TIP 6: Lean on Us
Our certified Quit Coaches will support you every step of the way with one-on-one phone counseling. Additional web-based and text support are also available, as well as quit medications like gum, patches, or lozenges (if appropriate). Enroll now–we’re here anytime you need us.
Increase Your Chance of Success
Working with a Quit Coach at the SC Tobacco Quitline significantly increases your chances of quitting successfully. Add in support with quit medications like gum, patches, or lozenges, and your chances for success are even greater. Learn more about these options below.
Quit Medications
Your Quit Coach may recommend using quit medications, to help you achieve your goal.
*Sample likeness only. Actual product provided may vary.
FDA-approved quit medications can help control cravings, provide nicotine withdrawal relief, and are available to both insured and uninsured tobacco users. SC Department of Health and Human Services covers all FDA-approved quit medications and quit counseling for members of SC Healthy Connections (Medicaid) with no copay or pre-authorization required.
FDA-approved quit medications include:
Nicotine Replacement Products:
- Gum - Releases nicotine when you chew and park and allows you to control your dosage.
- Patch - Good for long-lasting craving relief. Placed on the skin, it gradually releases a steady supply of nicotine into your bloodstream.
- Lozenge - Use like a regular lozenge. Nicotine lozenges offer the same benefits of gum without chewing.
Prescription Only Products:
- Inhaler - This device releases a specific amount of nicotine when you inhale through the mouthpiece.
- Nasal Spray - Similar to an inhaler. A pump bottle sprays a specific amount of nicotine into your nose.
- Bupropion - Prescription pill that can be helpful in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability (does not contain nicotine). May be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapy products (gum, patches, lozenges).
- Varenicline - Prescription pill that reduces the severity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms (does not contain nicotine). Makes tobacco use feel less pleasurable. Do not combine with other medications. If you are on medication for depression and/or anxiety, consult your doctor.
Combo-Therapy:
Can’t decide what will work best for you? It’s true that people are more successful with the added support of quit medications, but you can have an even greater impact by combining nicotine replacement products. For example, you can combine the longer lasting patch with either gum or lozenges, which are faster acting. You can use nicotine gum and patches together, or you can use nicotine lozenges and patches together. The patch can provide up to 24 hours of nicotine to keep you comfortable, while the gum or lozenge can add a quick boost of nicotine to get you through challenges and help you manage cravings. The combo-therapy approach can give you more relief than you might get using any single product. Talk with your doctor or Quit Coach to see if combo-therapy is right for you.Note: There can be side effects from quit medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects will vary from person to person.
One-on-One Coaching
On good days, bad days, and everything in between, our Quit Coaches are here for you. With tips, motivation, and an individualized quit plan, your Quit Coach can help you stay on track and reach your goals.
All South Carolinians registered for free quit support with the SC Tobacco Quitline receive:
- 5 phone sessions with a Quit Coach
- Customized quit plan
- Text and web-based support 24/7
- Quit medications (if appropriate)
Always Judgment-Free
Our counseling services are free and available to all South Carolinians, age 13 and older, who want to quit tobacco. Services are individualized, available in multiple languages, and are designed to meet specific needs based on what works best for you.
Enhanced services and culturally appropriate support is available for youth, pregnant tobacco users, and other groups. Visit our Quitline Services page to learn more.