Quit Smoking

Are you ready to quit smoking? We are ready to help. Call:

The staff at the Illinois Tobacco Quitline offers encouragement and support throughout the quitting process. Calling and registering with the Quitline also allows you to get nicotine replacement patches free from the health department.

Helping a Smoker Quit: Do’s and Don’ts for Family & Friends

• Do respect that the quitter is in charge. This is their lifestyle change and their challenge, not yours.
• Do ask the person whether he/she wants you to call or visit regularly to see how he/she is doing. Let the person know that it’s okay to call you whenever he/she needs to hear encouraging words.
• Do help the quitter get what she/he needs, such as hard candy to suck on, straws to chew on, fresh veggies cut up and kept cold in the refrigerator, etc.
• Don’t offer advice. Just ask how you can help with the program they are using.
• Do spend time doing things with the quitter to keep his/her mind off smoking – go to the movies or take a walk to get past a craving (what many call a “nicotine fit.”)
• Do help the quitter with a few chores, some child care, cooking – whatever will help lighten the stress of quitting.
• Don’t take the quitter’s grumpiness personally during his/her nicotine withdrawal. The symptoms will pass in about two weeks.
• Do celebrate along the way. Quitting smoking is a BIG DEAL!