Smoking Cessation
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
| NRT Type | Description | Popular Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Gum or Lozenges | Type of chewing gum or lozenge that delivers nicotine to the bloodstream through tissues in the mouth. | Nicorette® (gum) and Commit® (lozenge) |
| Transdermal (Skin) Patches | Release nicotine through the skin | NicoDerm CQ® |
| Inhaler | A thin, plastic cartridge that contains a porous nicotine plug at its base. By puffing on the cartridge, a person extracts and absorbs nicotine vapor through the lining of their mouth. | Nicotrol® |
| Nasal Spray | An aerosol nicotine spray contained in a spray to deliver nicotine to the user through their nostrils and rapidly absorbed by the nasal membranes inside the nose. | Nicotrol® NS |
There are also non-addictive prescription medications such as bupropion (Wellbutrin®, Zyban®) and Varenicline (Chantix®). Using NRTs or prescription medications like these doubles the odds of successful quitting. A combination of these methods increases success rates even more.
Students, faculty, and staff may make an appointment with UIW Health Services to discuss the use of prescription medication to assist in quitting tobacco at (210) 829-6017.
Apps and Online Quit Programs
| Apps and Programs | Web Based | App | Text / Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Become an Ex The EX plan teaches you how to live life without cigarettes in 3 steps. It is based on scientific research and practical advice from ex-smokers. | X | ||
| QuitPal Interactive app developed by the National Cancer Institute provides tools to help those who want to be smoke-free using evidence-based smoking cessation methods | X | ||
| Freedom from Smoking® Online Program Evidence based program from the American Lung Association consisting of eight self-paced modules to assist you in quitting tobacco. | X | ||
| Kill the Can Free resources and tools to help dip, snuff, and chewing tobacco users quit. | X | ||
| Smokefree Women Learn about topics that interest women on how to quit smoking. Connect to advice through instant messages and telephone. | X | X |
Additional Resources
CDC Office on Smoking and Health
Student Cessation Resources
All UIW students have access to Counseling Services through UIW Behavioral Health. An appointment can be scheduled at (210) 832-5656.
Employee Cessation Resources
The UIW Gilsbar insurance plan now covers tobacco cessation through UIW Health Services at a $10 copay. The plan also covers nicotine replacement therapy or non-nicotine medications with a prescription from a provider. Call (210) 829-6017 to schedule an appointment.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to assist employees with identifying successful quit strategies. Call 1-888-319-7819 anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit metlifeeap.lifeworks.com and enter the following:
user name: metlifeeap
password: eap