Tobacco Treatment
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Many people who use vape, smoke, or chew tobacco want to quit. They try patches, gum, going cold turkey, but nothing sticks. No matter how many times you've tried to quit, there's hope. Our personalized tobacco treatment program can work for you.
A Tobacco Treatment Based on Science
You're on your own individual journey. We’ll tailor a plan to meet your needs.
Our program offers both:
- Counseling
- Medication strategies
Research shows that this combination – a counselor plus medicine – gives you the greatest chance of success.
Who Can Participate?
You qualify for this free program if you’re:
- A patient at the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center
- A family member living in the same household as a patient who joins the program
How Tobacco Treatment Works
During your first appointment, you’ll meet with your personal tobacco treatment specialist.
With this counselor, you’ll:
- Review your current and past tobacco use and quit attempts
- Discuss nicotine withdrawal, coping with stress, and relapse prevention
- Learn about medication and nicotine-replacement therapies
- Decide on the length of your treatment
- Plan follow-ups after treatment (3, 6, and 12-month follow-up)
The first visit usually lasts up to one hour. Follow-up visits can last between 5 to 30 minutes.
How Quitting Tobacco Impacts Your Health
As soon as you quit, your body begins to repair itself. As you heal from the damage caused by tobacco:
- Your heart rate normalizes
- The carbon monoxide levels in your blood go down
- Your breathing gets better
You’ll feel better overall in terms of appetite, sleep, energy, and emotional well-being.
Why Quit Tobacco When You Have Cancer?
Your cancer treatments will work better and you’ll heal faster without tobacco. Quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing:
- Makes your cancer treatments more effective
- Lowers the chance of side effects
- Lengthens your life expectancy
- Lowers the chance of cancer coming back
- Reduces the chance of infection
Tobacco Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I meet with a counselor to quit tobacco?
Working with a trained professional and taking medication gets better results than just medication or trying to quit on your own. This combination also makes people less likely to relapse.
Can I talk to the counselor on the phone?
Yes, you can do your counseling sessions on the phone or in person.
How long are the sessions?
The first visits usually last up to one hour. Follow-up visits can last between 5 to 30 minutes.
What if I’m not ready to quit using tobacco?
You can still join the program. We’ll work with you wherever you are.
For example, you may choose to reduce your tobacco use for a period of time before quitting altogether. The choice is always yours.
What if I can't quit?
If you don’t quit during the program, we can:
- Make your treatment last longer
- Change your medication
- Refer you to outside tobacco cessation support.
Why is tobacco hard to quit?
It's not just about will power. Nicotine is a drug. It tricks your brain into wanting and needing tobacco. That's why medical treatment and support can help you quit.
Resources to Help You Quit
11/19/2020
How to Quit Smoking or Vaping During the COVID Pandemic
Smoking & vaping may increase your risk of catching COVID-19 because they involve touching your fingers to your lips.
05/25/2020
Stop Smoking: One More Reason to Quit for Good
Smoking has been attributed to a variety of illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. But smoking also may put you at increased risk for complications of coronavirus.
11/25/2019
Infographic: Need a Reason to Quit Smoking?
Need a reason to quit smoking? Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Here are seven health benefits you'll enjoy.
08/23/2019
The Lessons of Popcorn Lung: Inhale With Caution
Popcorn lung: It sounds delicious, but it's actually an incurable lung disease. Find out why you should watch what you eat, breathe, and vape, too. Two lung doctors tell the story - and explain the risks.
11/29/2017
How to Quit Smoking Or Help Someone Else: Resources in Virginia
Most people try to quit smoking cigarettes four or five times before it sticks. So if you or your loved one can't figure out how to quit smoking for good, you're not alone.