Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Quit Line really free?

Yes, Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is free to Alaskans! It offers free telephone, web, app, and text-based support to quit tobacco and nicotine products. You can call the Quit Line as often as you like to receive support calls from a quit coach. Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line also offers free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches, lozenges, and gum. NRT is available even if you are uninsured or without coverage from your health plan.

Does the Quit Line help with all forms of tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes and pouches?

Yes! Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is here to help Alaskans quit all forms of tobacco and nicotine. This includes smokeless products such as chewing tobacco, iqmik, or pouches. It also includes vapes, e-hookahs, or any other electronic nicotine product.

What if I miss my phone call from the Quit Line?

If you miss a call from a quit coach, the quit coach will leave a message and attempt another call in 24 hours. You can always call or text the Quit Line and work with a quit coach between scheduled calls. Studies show the more interactions you have with a quit coach, the more likely you will be successful in quitting tobacco and other nicotine products.

Do I have to attend any classes?

No, you don’t have to take any classes. Calls with coaches are individual and confidential. You can talk or text with a quit coach any day of the week — even Saturday or Sunday.

What is nicotine replacement therapy or NRT?

Nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, is available as gum, lozenges, and patches. It gives you a controlled dose of nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms, as you taper your body off nicotine over time.

You have the best chances of quitting for good by combining quit coaching and nicotine replacement therapy. Using two forms of NRT together, such as the patch and gum, may also be particularly helpful if you use nicotine at higher levels. The patch delivers a steady level of nicotine throughout the day that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. Lozenges and gum are fast-acting NRTs that can quickly relieve cravings in the moment.

Nicotine replacement therapy is free when you sign up for the Quit Line. Your quit coach can help you decide what type of NRT and dose will work best for you as you quit.

How does the Quit Line get NRT to me?

NRT is mailed to you after you enroll. You can call the Quit Line up to 30 days before you are ready to quit to enroll. This ensures you have NRT to use on your quit date.

How long does the Quit Line program last?

Quitting tobacco or nicotine is different for everyone. People typically use the Quit Line services for about two to six months. However, quit coaches are available to provide you with ongoing support for 12 months.

What if I start using tobacco again?

For most people, quitting takes practice. Quit coaches will not judge you if you slip. They are there to support and help you try to quit again. Each time you try to quit tobacco, you will learn more about what it takes to quit. You can use that knowledge on your next try to stop using tobacco or other nicotine products. You can re-enroll with Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line at any time.