It’s Never Too Late to Quit Tobacco
Take the first steps to gain health benefits today
When you stop using tobacco, you'll start to feel the physical and mental health benefits almost immediately. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve smoked, chewed, or dipped. VA is here to support you along your quit journey. Make a quit plan with your VA health care team so you can start feeling healthier.
Quitting any day can help you every day
Any time is the right time to stop using tobacco. Whether you’re 18 or 81, you and those around you will feel the benefits of stopping tobacco use. And the benefits continue to build over time.
When you stop smoking, you lower your risk for the common cold, the flu, and pneumonia. You also can reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress—and you give depression and anxiety medications the best chance of working properly. Your nights may become more restful when you stop because the nicotine in tobacco can make it difficult to sleep.
Just 1 year after you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease goes down by half. Within 2 to 5 years, your risk of stroke decreases and may match that of a nonsmoker. Within 5 to 10 years, your risk of certain types of cancer is cut in half. Similar benefits apply when you stop using smokeless tobacco.
When you’re ready to take the first step, VA can help you develop a quit plan and provide you with support to stick to it.
Getting started with a plan that’s right for you
Even if you’ve tried to stop before, you have many options that can help you quit for good. Your health care team can help you try a new therapy or combination of treatments that may work for you.
Counseling: VA offers group and individual counseling. You'll talk about everyday tobacco use, triggers for smoking, and lifestyle changes that can help you quit. Counseling is available in person or through VA Video Connect. You can use My HealtheVet to send your VA health care team a Secure Message to learn more about your options.
Medications: VA offers prescription medications to help you quit. Nicotine replacement therapy is also available to help relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Your health care team can guide you through the options and help you decide which one, or combination, is likely to work best for you.
Quit VET Tobacco Quitline: You can call 1-855-QUIT-VET for counseling and help developing a plan to stop smoking. Quit VET counselors are available Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET. They can help you prepare for potential challenges and avoid relapse. Counselors offer continued support in English or Spanish through follow-up calls.
SmokefreeVET: For tools and tips you can use to quit smoking, sign up for SmokefreeVET. Just text VET to 47848. SmokefreeVET provides regular text messages and extra support when you text the words URGE, STRESS, or SMOKED. Text the word DIPPED instead of SMOKED to receive a tailored tip for quitting smokeless tobacco. Para inscribirse en SmokefreeVET en español, manda el texto VETesp al 47848.
These resources can help you take the first step to give up smoking. Start the conversation with a Secure Message to your VA health care team to find out how they can help you succeed.
For more information about the benefits of quitting and tips to help you quit, visit VA's Tobacco and Health webpage.
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