Tobacco Cessation Program for Students

NRT is a type of treatment that gives small, steady doses of nicotine to help stop cravings and relieve symptoms that occur when a person is trying to quit using nicotine. These products include nicotine gum, nicotine inhaler, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine lozenges, and nicotine patch, and most are available without a prescription at your local pharmacy. Your IUPUI Quit Coach can get you started with some free samples.

There are prescription medications that have been shown to help nicotine-users quit, and some can be used along with NRTs to increase success of quitting. Consult with a physician about which prescription and NRT combination would work best for you. We recommend visiting Campus Health on IUPUI's campus.

Seeking out individual, group, or phone coaching/counseling has been proven to be effective for helping people quit. Your IUPUI Quit Coach can offer free, non-clinical coaching services. If you’re looking for mental health counseling, consider reaching out to Counseling and Psychological Services at IUPUI.

Having the right support is integral to being successful and staying nicotine-free. Below are some ways to support those around you who are on their journey to quitting.

• Don’t lecture. Quitting is already hard enough, and they need your positive support.
• Tell them about IUPUI's free coaching services.
• Be patient if they are going through withdrawal.
• Offer distracting activities like going to the movies or playing a game of basketball.
• Help them de-stress by doing things like yoga or taking a walk.
• Don’t be too hard on them if they slip up. Remind them of the progress they made, and tell them you know they can still quit.
• Celebrate big and small successes.
• Offer ongoing support. Even after they have quit, cravings can pop up, so continue to celebrate nicotine-free anniversaries and offer distractions and de-stressing activities.
• Everyone needs something different, so don't be afraid to ask directly how you can support them.