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Smoking Cessation

Smoking cessation is a general term for coming off of tobacco use. While the most common form of tobacco use is smoking cigarettes, other forms include pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping, and hookahs. There are many steps involved in quitting smoking. Connect with an Alpha Provider online to develop a smoking cessation program that will help you quit smoking.

Get the Treatment you Need

After reviewing your medical history, we may recommend a combination of prescription medication and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This may include over-the-counter NRT in the form of gum, lozenge, or patch.

Nicotine Patch
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Long-acting, slow-onset pattern of nicotine delivery, which produces relatively constant relief from withdrawal over 24 hours but requires several hours to reach peak levels. Compliance is high. Cannot adjust the dose of nicotine being released to respond to nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Available over the counter and by prescription.

  • Nicotine Patch (cash-only; insurance not accepted)
  • Nicotine Patch Bundle (cash-only; insurance not accepted)
Prescription Nicotine Replacement Therapy
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  • Nicotrol Nasal Spray
  • Nicotrol Inhaler
Other Prescription Medication
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  • Zyban (generic for Bupropion 150 mg SR)
  • Varenicline (generic for Chantix; tablet)

    Want to quit smoking? Your Alpha Provider can help.

    Get Treated
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    Learn About Quitting Smoking

    Do you need help to quit smoking? What are the withdrawal symptoms and risk factors? What are the benefits of quitting?

    Symptoms & Risk Factors
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    Withdrawal symptoms are the body’s reaction to coming off of an addictive drug. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical compound present in tobacco.

    There are many harmful effects of smoking, and people who are exposed to secondhand smoke are also at increased risk for certain respiratory diseases and infections.


    SYMPTOMS

    Common withdrawal symptoms include:

    • Having cravings for cigarettes
    • Feeling down or sad
    • Having trouble sleeping
    • Feeling irritable‚ on edge‚ or grouchy
    • Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
    • Feeling restless and jumpy
    • Having a slower heart rate
    • Feeling more hungry or gaining weight


    RISK FACTORS

    Harmful effects of smoking include:

    • Cancer
    • Stroke
    • Heart disease
    • Lung disease
    • Diabetes
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis


    SMOKING INCREASES THE RISK OF:

    • Tuberculosis
    • Certain eye diseases
    • Problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis
    • Preterm delivery
    • Earlier menopause (by 2 years)


    Self Care Advice
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    A combination of self care, counseling, and pharmacologic treatment can produce higher quit rates than either alone.


    SELF CARE TIPS

    • Setting a quit date
    • Sharing with family and friends your decision to quit and quit date
    • Identifying your triggers for tobacco use and developing a plan for managing cravings
    • Eliminating all of the items you use around tobacco use
    • One-on-one or group therapy


    FREE COUNSELING OPTIONS

    • The telephone quitline, 800-QUIT-NOW
    • Web-based and text messaging cessation support (e.g. www.smokefree.gov)

    Benefits of Quitting
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    YOU ARE LIKELY TO:

    • Add years to your life
    • Breathe more easily
    • Have more energy
    • Save money
    • Have better blood circulation
    • Improve your sense of taste and smell
    • Stop smelling like smoke
    • Lower risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and lung disease

    How it works

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    Describe Your Symptoms

    Answer questions about your health condition online.

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    Connect with a Medical Provider

    A medical provider will review your responses and send an appropriate treatment plan. Your care is evidence-based and personalized at every visit.

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    Get Whole-person Care

    Your care team will respond to any questions through our secure messaging platform and you can get medication at your preferred pharmacy.

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