Quit Smokeless Tobacco Today
It’s never too late to quit
If you use smokeless tobacco, you may face unique challenges when trying to quit. There is more nicotine in smokeless tobacco, and you may find that your triggers and stressors can be different. Nicotine also stays in the blood longer for people who use smokeless tobacco than for people who smoke.
Many people find it challenging to stop using tobacco. That’s why VA has resources for you to develop a quit plan. With treatment and support, we’ll help you stick with your plan.
The benefits of spitting out tobacco for good
It’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of quitting smokeless tobacco. No matter what age you are when you quit, you can start enjoying these benefits:
Whiter teeth and healthier gums
Fewer mouth sores
Better ability to taste food
Lower risk of mouth, throat, and pancreatic cancers
Lower risk of early child delivery and stillbirth
Lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke
Whether you’re 18 or 81, you’ll begin to feel some benefits shortly after quitting. And the benefits continue to build over time—5 years after you quit, your risk of mouth cancer is cut in half. Your risk of throat and pancreatic cancers also lowers significantly after quitting.
How VA can help
Talk to your health care team about the many options available to quit smokeless tobacco. All VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics offer tobacco use treatment options:
Counseling: Group and individual counseling provide support for managing cravings and triggers. They’ll also support you in building lifestyle changes that can help you quit. Counseling is available in person or through VA Video Connect. Send your VA provider a Secure Message to learn more about your options.
Medications: Stopping tobacco use often comes with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. To reduce symptoms, VA offers prescription medications and nicotine replacement therapy. This includes nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges. Your provider can help you decide which option or combination is likely to work best for you.
Quit VET: Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) for counseling and help to develop a plan to quit smokeless tobacco. Quit coaches are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, to help you prepare for challenges. Coaches offer continued support in English or Spanish through follow-up calls and counseling sessions.
SmokefreeVET: For tools and tips to quit, sign up for SmokefreeVET by texting VET to 47848. SmokefreeVET is the first text messaging program that can be tailored for individuals who use smokeless tobacco. It provides regular text messages and also provides extra support when you text URGE, STRESS, or DIPPED to 47848.
Make your quit plan today
Even if you’ve tried quitting before, proven treatment options can help you quit successfully. Your VA provider can help you create a plan that works for you. So why wait? Reach out to your health care team today with a Secure Message to get started.
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