Is the quit line really free?
Yes, Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is free to Alaskans and offers access to free telephone, web and text based support to quit tobacco. You can call the quit line as often as you like and are eligible to receive four pro-active support calls from a quit coach. Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line offers free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to all Alaskans who call and enroll in the program. 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 use?
Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is here to help all of those who are addicted to tobacco products in any form, including smokeless products such as chewing tobacco and iqmik, as well as e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, vape pens, or any other electronic nicotine delivery system.
I’ve heard e-cigs are better than cigarettes and less harmful. What’s in the cloud of smoke?
Until new FDA regulations take effect/are formalized, e-cig manufacturers don’t have to tell you what the ingredients are, be accurate in terms of levels of nicotine or reveal what is exhaled in the aerosol/vapor. There are a growing number of studies that help determine what chemicals are in the inhaled and exhaled aerosol, as well as the health effects of e-cig use and exposure to secondhand aerosol. Studies have found that the aerosol, or “cloud”, contains at least 9 chemicals that are known carcinogens and toxins, including nicotine, formaldehyde, lead and acetone. While the level of these toxins are less than what is found in cigarette smoke, it is not as safe as breathing clean air.
Download the following pdfs for more information about Secondhand Smoke:
What if I miss my phone call?
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.
Do I have to attend any classes?
No, all sessions are individual and take place over the telephone. You can talk to a quit coach any day of the week—even Saturday or Sunday.
How does the quit line get NRT to me?
Once you enroll in the multiple-call program, NRT is mailed directly to you. You can call the quit line up to 30 days before you are ready to quit and enroll in the program to ensure you have NRT to use on your quit date.
How long does the quit line program last?
A typical quit line intervention schedule will be completed within two to six months, depending on how you move through the quitting process. However, quit coaches are available to help you establish your new tobacco-free lifestyle and provide you with ongoing support for up to 12 months after you enroll.
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, so you can use that knowledge in the journey to become tobacco-free. You can re-enroll with Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line at any time.