Smoking and Tobacco Cessation

Using FDA-approved medications, such as nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline, while you’re quitting can help you manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cope with the urge to smoke. Your VA provider can guide you through the available options to help you decide which is likely to work best for you.

Combining smoking cessation medications with counseling offers you the best chance of quitting — and staying tobacco-free. VA offers tobacco cessation counseling, in person or over the phone, to talk about your tobacco use, ways to get tobacco out of your life, coping with triggers, and changing your lifestyle to remain tobacco-free. To learn more, contact your VA health care provider.

Did you know? Tobacco quit lines can double your chances of quitting, compared with getting no support at all. Call to make your quit plan, get individual counseling, and develop strategies for preventing relapse. Quitline counselors offer continued support through follow-up calls, and counseling is available in both English and Spanish.

Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-) between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday.

Need a little encouragement while you’re quitting tobacco or smokeless tobacco? The free SmokefreeVET text message program will provide you with daily advice and support or you can reach out when you feel tempted to use tobacco or stressed about quitting using the words URGE, STRESS, SMOKED, or DIPPED.

Text VET to 47848 or visit smokefree.gov/VET to sign up.

For messages in Spanish, text VETesp to 47848 or visit smokefree.gov/VETespanol.

This mobile app was designed to help you quit smoking. Use it to develop a customized plan, taking into account your personal reasons for quitting. It will provide information, motivational messages, interactive tools for dealing with urges, and support to help you stay smoke-free.