Quitting Resources

I want to quit! What do I do next?*

There are many different pathways to successful tobacco cessation. Three pieces to consider in moving towards being tobacco-free are planning, support, and medication assistance.

1. Planning

Planning involves understanding why you smoke and why you want to quit, evaluating your barriers and triggers, planning for how to avoid triggers and manage cravings, and setting a quit date. Below are several resources that can help you with this planning process. Pick what works best for you. 

2. Medication*

Medication can help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Many studies have shown that medication assistance increases the likelihood of tobacco cessation. 

  • Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) - “NRTs are FDA-approved for adults ages 18 and over who want to quit smoking."** NRTs are available over-the-counter and don’t require a prescription  
  • Non-Nicotine Medication - These are medications that are prescribed by your healthcare provider such as Zyban (bupropion) or Chantix (varenicline)

3.Support

Having someone to encourage you and acknowledge the effort you’re putting into quitting can be very helpful. Plus, sharing your goals with others promotes success! 

  • Talk with your family & friends
  • Nicotine Anonymous offers online support groups
  • Online network which comes with some of the planning/counseling resources listed above
  • Share your quit date and daily successes via social media

*If you have any questions regarding your health or medications, you should consult your healthcare provider

Resources for faculty and staff

Premera Members

When you’re ready, your Premera PPO or HSA plan offers benefits to assist with smoking cessation efforts. Such benefits include prescription drug coverage (subject to standard pharmacy charges), and classes and programs to stop tobacco use. This is covered in full and not subject to a benefit limit. The member must utilize an in-network provider or a provider within an in-network facility (classes and programs must be provided in an in-network facility/hospital to be covered).

Office visits for smoking cessation are subject to your normal office visit cost share. Other benefits for treatment of nicotine dependence will be provided on the same basis as treatment of other covered medical conditions. This could include but is not limited to:

  • Office visits
  • Consultations
  • Counseling / Therapy
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Labs

Some facilities offer smoking cessation classes free of charge as well.

Kaiser Permanente Members

Other Resources

What if I’m not ready to quit?*

  • Think about why you don’t feel ready to quit and what needs to happen to be ready
  • Give yourself permission to fail. Every attempt at tobacco cessation is one attempt closer to success
  • Protect your family and friends from second-hand smoke
  • Learn about third-hand smoke
  • Try taking small steps to overall decrease your daily tobacco use such as limiting where you allow yourself to use tobacco or decrease the amount of tobacco you use each day

* If you have any questions regarding your health or medications, you should promptly consult your  healthcare provider