UW’s resources to quit smoking

Quitting smoking is no easy task, but it will help you breathe easier, feel better, and have more energy to do what you enjoy. All of UW’s health insurance plans offer online resources to help you quit. Some plans also offer counseling and nicotine replacement therapies.

If you are ready to make this lifestyle change, check out these great resources to help you achieve your goal.

• Living Tobacco Free programs through PEBB medical plans

  • Uniform Medical Plan

  • Kaiser Washington

  • Kaiser Permanente NW

  • GAIP

Learn more about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use. Here are three key reasons to live tobacco free offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

1. Smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ of the body.
2. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death.
3. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.

What’s Tobacco Talk?

A Tobacco Talk helps UW students, employees, and patients make decisions around their tobacco use.

Tobacco Talk provides one-on-one counseling, educational and support groups, and real-world insights about stopping smoking right at the Husky Health Center. Whether you’re wanting to stop entirely, cut down, or not yet sure, Husky Health Center can provide support and help making a plan.

Looking for other options? The experts at UW Medicine compiled resources to quit smoking or using tobacco (PDF), which contains community resources, toll-free hotline to help you quit, and other general information about tobacco use.

Quitlines and support via coaching
A Quitline is a toll-free number you can call or text  for one-on-one confidential counseling from a Quit Coach (often someone who used to use tobacco).You may also be eligible for free medication through the Washington State Quitline to help you quit smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco products.

By calling a Quitline, you get connected with a quit coach and together, you create a quit plan. You can contact a Quitline numerous times if you’d like, there’s no limit!

Medications
There are two kinds of medication, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), generally available over the counter, and prescription medications.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT decreases the physical symptoms of quitting tobacco by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

The FDA has approved the following types of NRT: patch, gum, nasal spray, inhalers, and lozenges. Some of these, like the patch, gum, and lozenge, can be bought over the counter, but the others (the nasal spray and inhaler) require a prescription. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of NRT – check with your healthcare provider to see if this is included in your benefits.

While NRT is most helpful for people who smoke tobacco, those who use smokeless tobacco can also find it useful.

• Prescription medications
  In addition to the resources above, there are prescription medications available to help you with your quit efforts. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get these medications for free or at a reduced rate. Some of the most effective medications are:
  • Varenicline (also known as Chantix)
  • Bupropion (also known as Zyban, Wellbutrin, or Aplenzin)
  • Quitting tobacco can be difficult and may require multiple attempts, but as a school employee or beneficiary, you have access to free or low-cost resources that can help you on the journey to a healthier you

Smoking Policy

While we are a smoke-free campus, you can find the specifics of UW’s policy, as well as designated smoking locations, by visiting the Environmental Health and Safety smoking policy page.