We are so excited that you have taken the first step to quitting nicotine—learning about the options available to you. Nicotine use is related to many of our dimensions of wellness—physical, financial, social and occupational to name a few—so it’s no surprise that your decisions about nicotine can affect every area of your life. It is important to know how to quit, what resources are available to you and how to maintain your nicotine-free lifestyle.
Ready to quit nicotine
IUPUI Quit Coach
Your Quit Coach can help you quit all forms of nicotine use. No matter the delivery method, nicotine is addictive and harmful. Obtaining a free coach is easy, and the work you'll do together can have the biggest impact on your journey of quitting nicotine. Whether this is quitting attempt number one or 100, we are here to support you.
Schedule an intake appointment
Your Quit Coach is ready to hear what your goals and aspirations are and is looking forward to meeting you. All coaching sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Tobacco clients are eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy, which can be mailed to their home or made available for pickup.
People who use a combination of counseling and medication are most successful at quitting nicotine. Get started in our free cessation program to learn more.
Staying nicotine-free
We are proud of you for taking the steps to quit, and we want to make sure you have the tools and resources to maintain your nicotine-free lifestyle. It is important to know your personal triggers, how to tackle cravings and surround yourself with support. To learn more about maintaining your new lifestyle, consult with an IUPUI Quit Coach, or check out the resources offered below.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT)
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.
Prescriptions
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 Student Health Services on IUPUI's campus.
Coaching/Counseling
Seeking out individual, group, or phone coaching/counseling has been proven to be effective for helping people quit.
Supporting others quitting
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.