Real Talk     Women's Health     Teen Health     Health Guide    

Proper medication use can help tobacco users overcome nicotine addiction



The New York State Smokers' Quitline can help you kick the habit

Help for kicking your nicotine habit

The New York State Smokers' Quitline (Quitline) reminds New York State residents that cigarettes and vape products are highly addictive. To overcome this addiction, the use of FDA-approved medications known as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help alleviate physical cravings as part of a tobacco-free journey. As is the case with all medications, NRT is most effective when used as directed.

"The FDA includes seven types of NRT medications, each with its own unique method of delivery," said Dr. Martin Mahoney, the Quitline's medical director and professor of oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y. (Dr. Mahoney is pictured at left, shown in a video-still from a NRT lozenge tutorial at nysmokefree.com. "Sometimes, tobacco and vape product users need to try different NRT medications to determine what works best for them. Combining medications can be quite effective to tackle both short-term and long-term urges. NRT is very safe to use, but I recommend tobacco users first consult their healthcare professionals and the Quitline's knowledgeable Quit Coaches when beginning a quit-journey."

The Quitline provides coaching support seven days a week via phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487), through text messaging and online at nysmokefree.com. Most participants are eligible to receive a free starter kit of NRT medications shipped to their home address, usually consisting of nicotine patches and/or nicotine gum or lozenges.

The Quitline's Quit Coaches found sometimes people use NRT too sparingly or, conversely, as a permanent substitute for cigarettes and/or vape products. When used as directed, NRT medications should be eventually weaned once the person transitions to a tobacco-free lifestyle. Continued use of cigarette and/or vape products while using NRT will essentially render the medication treatment ineffective.

Some of the Quit Coaches also offer the following considerations for effective NRT use:

  • "Rotate where you place the nicotine patch each day to avoid skin irritation – place it below your neck, above your waist and away from your heart." – Effie
     
  • "Make a plan to decrease your nicotine gum usage each week, and use the gum to control urges rather than to replace past smoking/vaping routines." – Darlene
  • "Avoid acidic substances such as coffee, soft drinks and juices for 15 minutes prior to and during nicotine gum use, in order to improve the medication absorption." – Ange
  • "When using the nicotine lozenge, remember not to chew or suck on it – rather, place it between your gum and cheek." – Caitlin
NRT is an important part of a quit-journey; additional resources for behavior modifications will increase the odds for prolonged success in becoming tobacco-free. The Quitline encourages all participants to develop a comprehensive quit-plan in consultation with their healthcare professionals and to participate in a local cessation program if available. While no one approach works best to become tobacco-free, proven FDA-approved NRT medications can make the quit-process easier. Overcoming nicotine addiction, despite its challenges, is one of the best things one can do to live a happier, healthier and longer life.

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 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) for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven days a week beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com for more information.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer's grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org



More Real Talk


  • Everything you need to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 3 ways people of all ages can make the most of International Youth Day

    Celebrate youth activists and combat ageism

    August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change. read more »
  • Everything you should to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 4 ways to get involved this global volunteer month

    It's a good time to get in on the action

    Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin. read more »
  • USC quarterback Caleb Williams supports young adults' mental health

    The athlete teams up with national "Seize the Awkward" Campaign

    In Collaboration with the Ad Council, AFSP, The Jed Foundation, Caleb Cares Foundation & USC, a new student-produced Public Service Advertisement encourages young adults to check in on their friends. read more »
  • "I Have The Right To" launches nationwide pledge

    Offering support to students and survivors of sexual assault

    In an exciting announcement and a first for the celebrated organization, I Have The Right To launches a nationwide pledge to ensure all students receive an education free from sexual assault. read more »
  • Weeklong FAIR Film Festival 2022

    The Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) Hosts a Film Screening Plus Q&A

    The Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) will kick off the FAIR Film Festival 2022 with an in-person screening of the documentary film I Am A Victor plus a selection of short films on Sunday, June 12 at 1:00pm EDT at Caveat on the lower east side in Manhattan. read more »
  • Resources for LGBTQ youth

    Positive online places for your child

    LGBTQ youth are more likely to be bullied and harm themselves because of it. read more »
  • How to prevent cyberbullying with technology

    Who is at risk and what you can do

    Cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent among children and teens, as young people now spend more time on phones, computers and digital devices. About 6 in 10 teens have been bullied or harassed online, according to Pew Research Center. read more »
  • Teenage Period Cramps

    How much pain alerts to medical conditions?

    More often than not prevailing period stigma holds adolescents back from expressing concerns about severe menstrual pains. Experts say that debilitating cramps are not normal and might be caused by underlying medical problems like endometriosis. read more »