Text messaging as a quit-smoking tool for the summer
New York State Smokers' Quitline's newest idea to help you
New York State Smokers' Quitline
Help in today's technological world can start
with a simple text. For those looking to quit use of commercial tobacco or vape
products, daily text reminders can provide focus amidst busy schedules. As New
York State residents spend more time engaged in outdoor activities during this
warm season, the New York State Smokers' Quitline (Quitline) free Learn2QuitNY
text program offers ideal support at their fingertips.
All New York State residents can enroll in Learn2QuitNY by texting the word QUITNOW to
333888. The program, designed through evidence-based
research by experts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y.,
provides three texts daily for six weeks and includes weekly goals.
Learn2QuitNY's automated and interactive messages are unique to New York State
and help participants develop the skills required to achieve long-term
abstinence from any tobacco product.
READ MORE: Menthol cigarettes can hasten addiction
Quitlines throughout North America tend to be busiest in winter months, as many
look to quit smoking or vaping during this time. A text messaging program such
as Learn2QuitNY, however, can be ideal for quit-attempts during summer months.
Consistent reminders will deliver directly to participants, even as they
travel. Increased outdoor activity during the summer necessitates optimal
breathing, which greatly improves upon quitting smoking or vaping.
After a little more than a year of existence since March 2022, Learn2QuitNY
shows promise in both reaching younger populations as well as effectiveness.
Nearly two-thirds of all participants indicate an age range between 18 and 44.
Furthermore, as part of a pilot study and presented as a research poster at the 2023 Annual Meeting for the Society for Research on Nicotine
and Tobacco (SRNT) in San Antonio, Learn2QuitNY's creators found 92% of all
participants stayed with the program for the entire six weeks. In addition, 79%
of those reachable for follow-up indicated they had reduced cigarette intake or
stopped altogether because of participating in Learn2QuitNY.
Learn2QuitNY is the latest in many options the
Quitline provides for those seeking to overcome use of commercial tobacco or
vape products. In fact, periodic messages during the six-week program prompt
participants to access additional Quitline services via phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS
(1-866-697-8487) or by visiting nysmokefree.com,
such as individualized coaching and access to free stop-smoking medications.
The Quitline's website additionally offers an online chat and an ordering
system for stop-smoking medications. All Quitline services are free and New
York State residents may use Learn2QuitNY on its own or combined with any
additional resources.
"Everyone quits differently, and having options increases the chances for
sustained success," said Dr.Andrew Hyland, director of the Quitline and chair of the health behavior
department at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The Quitline team
continues to adapt its offerings so we can meet people where they're at. We
encourage all who struggle with addiction to commercial tobacco or vape
products to use as many tools as possible to achieve freedom and better
health."
Summer can be the perfect time of year to quit smoking or vaping, especially
with a free tool like the Quitline's Learn2QuitNY text program. To learn more,
visit nysmokefree.com/text.
The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a service of the New York
State Department of Health and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer
Center. It is one of the first and busiest state quitlines in the nation and
has responded to nearly 3 million calls since it began operating in 2000. The
Quitline encourages commercial tobacco and vape product users to talk with
their healthcare professionals and access available Medicaid or health
insurance benefits for medication support. All New York State residents can
call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or text QUITNOW to
333888 for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven days a week beginning
at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com
for more information.
From the world's first chemotherapy research to the PSA prostate
cancer biomarker, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center generates
innovations that shape how cancer is detected, treated and prevented worldwide.
Driven to eliminate cancer's grip on humanity, the Roswell Park team of 4,000
makes compassionate, patient-centered cancer care and services accessible
across New York State and beyond. Founded in 1898, Roswell Park was among the
first three cancer centers nationwide to become a National Cancer
Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and is the only one to hold
this designation in Upstate New York. To learn more about Roswell Park
Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Roswell Park Care Network, visit www.roswellpark.org,
call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org.
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