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New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network

 

Behavioral VA Health Care

Tobacco Cessation

  woman smoking
   
Over 43 million people in the U.S. have quit smoking and other tobacco products. You can, too!

Level One Support
  • Level One support for quitting starts with your primary care provider (PCP). Simply talk with your PCP about your interest in quitting. Your PCP can give you tips for quitting and medication options to help.
  • Nicotine is an addictive drug, but there are effective and safe methods to beat the addiction.
  • If you are not successful, level two support may be recommended

Level Two Support

  • Level Two support also starts with your PCP. Each clinic has a tobacco cessation expert trained in the latest ways to help people quit tobacco. Your PCP or the clinic clerk can introduce you to the Behavioral Health Provider in your clinic who is the tobacco cessation expert.
  • The tobacco cessation expert can usually see you right away for a brief (15-20 min.) individual visit. The tobacco cessation expert will give you more strategies, and help you design your own quit plan.
  • If you wish, the PC staff will help you get medications to increase your chances of success.
  • Follow-up will happen in 2-3 brief visits, some of which can be on the telephone.

Additional Resources for Quitting Tobacco Use. A number of internet guides to help you quit smoking are also available. Find these links at the top right of the page under References.

 

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