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There are
a number of resources available to provide information and support
to those serious about quitting smoking, including, but not limited
to, the information on this site.
An invaluable source of information on cessation is the SOS Quitline,
which can be reached by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. The Quitline offers
proactive counseling in English and Spanish by counselors professionally
trained to provide help to callers from all types of backgrounds.
The free service may also be used by physicians in the smoking cessation
intervention process.
What Really Happens When You Call the SOS Quitline?
Call 1-800-NOW-QUIT. The Quitline is operated
by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Fay W.
Boozman College of Public Health in Little Rock, Arkansas. All calls
are confidential and are handled by trained tobacco interventionists.
The Quitline is answered by a live person and can provide information
on cessation, forward self-help materials, provide you with the
nearest location for face-to-face assistance, or provide treatment
for cessation over the phone. Note: If all Quitline phone lines
are busy, an automated voice recording provides instructions to
the caller (English, then Spanish translation) to leave a message.
Messages are returned promptly.
3. When the caller would like treatment over the phone, they are
asked a number of questions about their tobacco use. This takes
about 20 minutes. This information is needed by the tobacco interventionist
in order to assist participants. An appointment is then scheduled
with an interventionist at the caller's convenience. First appointments
usually take one hour. The interventionist calls the participant.
The participant and the interventionist work together to establish
a quit program that serves the tobacco user's needs and goal to
quit tobacco. The usual number of appointments is about 6 and most
sessions last from 30 to 60 minutes.
What Else?
Relapse Prevention: Strategies are discussed to reduce the chances
of relapse.
Weekly Goals: The tobacco user is encouraged to set goals at the
end of each session.
And: Other topics such as weight management, exercise, stress and
other tobacco-related issues are discussed as needed.
Medication Assistance: Interventionists provide extensive information
about medications for cessation. They will refer participants to
their health care providers for medication evaluations and will
assist participants in obtaining the appropriate medications for
cessation if at all possible. Participants may be eligible for cessation
medications at low or no cost.
Also available to Arkansans in need is the Arkansas Foundation for
Medical Care (AFMC) Cessation Network—a group comprised of
10 community health centers and five rural hospitals around the
state. Each clinic offers an intensive six-week program consisting
of group and/or individual counseling, as well as nicotine replacement
therapy when needed.
Two additional resources to help you quit are www.smokefree.gov
and pda.ahrq.gov. Or you may download a copy of our Cessation Resources Guide.
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