Free resources and support systems are available to help individuals in the United States quit smoking and tobacco use. These services are typically offered by government agencies, non-profit health organizations, and state-level programs, providing evidence-based assistance at no cost to the user. The primary resources include national and state quitlines, which offer counseling, referrals, and sometimes free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Organizations like the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and American Lung Association provide additional online materials and helplines. Many states have also implemented dedicated quitline services, accessible via a national portal. For individuals seeking structured programs, options such as the Freedom From Smoking program are available. All services are designed to be accessible and confidential, offering support through various channels including telephone, text, and online platforms.
Understanding National and State Quitline Services
A quitline is a free, science-based service that helps people who use any form of tobacco to quit. These services are available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, each U.S. territory, and all ten Canadian provinces. The North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) is a network of toll-free hotlines and websites that coordinates these efforts. U.S. residents can access state-specific quitline services by dialing 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This number connects callers to their state's designated quitline, which offers counseling, referrals to local programs, and free medications. Services are also available in multiple languages, including Spanish (1-855-DEJELO-YA), Chinese (1-800-838-8917), Korean (1-800-556-5564), and Vietnamese (1-800-778-8440). A TTY line is available at 1-800-332-8615. For veterans, a dedicated line is 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838). In Canada, English speakers can call 1-866-366-3667, and French speakers can call 1-866-JARRETE (1-866-527-7383).
The national portal 1-800-QUIT-NOW was launched by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the CDC as part of the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines. Since its launch, it has received more than 10 million calls. State quitlines have evolved to meet modern needs, with most now offering services through web, text, online chat, and smartphone apps. The CDC's Tips From Former Smokers campaign drove more than 1.3 million additional calls to 1-800-QUIT-NOW between 2012 and 2018. The NAQC works with funders, providers, and researchers to help quitlines consistently improve their services and address emerging issues.
How to Access and Use Quitline Services
When you call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, you are connected to your state's quitline. The services offered can vary by state, but generally include free counseling from trained quit coaches, personalized quit plans, and information about free or low-cost medications. The NAQC provides profile pages for each state's quitline, which include details about services offered, hours of operation, and referral programs. These profiles are accessible via the NAQC website. The likelihood of staying quit for more than six months is increased when a smoker uses nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) according to directions. Quitline counselors can provide information on the proper use and potential side effects of NRT and other medicines.
Quitting is a process, and many people try multiple times before succeeding. One individual shared that they tried to quit more than a dozen times before successfully quitting through the Freedom From Smoking program. After quitting, they became a certified facilitator to help others. Another person stated they used 1-800-QUIT-NOW and successfully quit smoking. Quitlines are designed to be confidential and supportive. As one social media contributor reassured, "Anyone can do it," and encouraged others to make quit coaches and other quitline resources part of their journey to a tobacco-free life.
Additional Free Resources from Health Organizations
Several national health organizations provide free resources, information, and support for those looking to quit smoking. These organizations offer good information online and may have local resources in your area.
- American Heart Association: Provides information and support for quitting smoking. They can be reached at 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visited online at heart.org/Smoking.
- American Cancer Society: Offers resources to help people stay away from tobacco. Their helpline is 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345), and more information is available at cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco.
- American Lung Association: Provides tools and support for quitting smoking. They can be contacted at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visited at lung.org/stop-smoking. The American Lung Association also runs the Freedom From Smoking program, which is a structured, group-based program designed to help people quit smoking.
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): Offers science-driven tools, information, and support through Smokefree.gov. The NCI's quitline can be reached at 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848).
- Truth Initiative’s Become An Ex: An online resource available at becomeanex.org.
The NCI's Smokefree.gov website is a comprehensive resource that offers free tools, guides, and resources designed to help people quit smoking and remain smokefree. It provides state and national resources, free materials, and quitting advice. The site includes specific resources for different groups, such as "Clear Horizons" for smokers over age 50 and materials on the health impacts of secondhand smoke, smokeless tobacco, and cigar smoking. The website emphasizes that it is never too late to quit and that quitting has benefits at all ages.
Understanding the Health Impacts and Benefits of Quitting
Smoking has been found to harm nearly every bodily organ and organ system in the body and diminishes a person's overall health. Secondhand smoke is associated with disease and premature death in nonsmoking adults and children, with no safe level of exposure. Smokeless tobacco is not a safe substitute for smoking cigarettes and can cause cancer, noncancerous oral conditions, and lead to nicotine addiction and dependence. All tobacco products are harmful and cause cancer, including cigars. There is no safe level of tobacco use.
The health benefits of quitting begin almost immediately and continue over time. Using NRT and other medications as directed can significantly increase the chances of quitting successfully for the long term. Quitlines and other support services provide the evidence-based guidance needed to navigate the quitting process safely and effectively.
Private and Local Programs
In addition to national and state resources, many hospitals, healthcare companies, and employers offer outpatient and inpatient smoking cessation programs. These private programs may provide additional structure and support. To find local resources, individuals can contact their healthcare provider (doctor, dentist, pharmacist) or check with their employer's benefits department. State quitline profiles may also include information about local referral programs.
Conclusion
A robust network of free resources is available across the United States to support individuals in quitting smoking and tobacco use. The cornerstone of this support is the national quitline network, accessible via 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which connects callers to state-specific services offering counseling, referrals, and free medications. Complementary resources are provided by major health organizations, including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and the National Cancer Institute's Smokefree.gov platform. These services offer science-based information, tools, and support through various channels. While private and local programs also exist, the public resources are designed to be widely accessible and confidential. The consistent message from these organizations is that quitting is possible with the right support, and the health benefits of quitting are significant at any age.