Smoking Cessation

In assisting with the compliance of the smoking/tobacco policy, the Office of Human Resources would like to offer smoking cessation programs and helpful links.

Tobacco is the number one preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, and its effects on workplace productivity are staggering. According to the CDC, smoking costs an estimated $80 billion per year in lost productivity due to sickness, disability and death.

Below are links to websites designed to help individuals become nicotine-free. The websites include information on nicotine dependence, tips for quitting, available resources, chat rooms, e-cards to encourage individuals to quit, counseling, and more.

Smoking Cessation Programs from Blue Cross and Blue Shield

• Freedom From Smoking
  The American Lung Association offers a Freedom from Smoking no-cost online program.
• Guide to Quitting Smoking
  To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
• WellQuit
  WellQuit is an 8-step method administered by the American Lung Association - certified coaches and brought to you by GlobalFit^SM. Members must enroll with GlobalFit to take advantage of the discounts.

Smoking Prevention for Children and Adolescents

• Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
  Committed to reducing the harm caused by tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  The CDC is the lead federal agency for comprehensive tobacco prevention and control.
• Raising Kids Who Don't Smoke
  Information on smoking cessation and free handouts and brochures on "Raising Kids Who Don't Smoke."

More Information

• Download BlueComplements (SM) Information Sheet (PDF)
• BlueComplements (SM) Questions and Answers (PDF)
• BlueComplements (SM) Brochure (PDF)
• Blueprint for Health Brochure (PDF)

General Tobacco Information

• Horizon Health EAP STOP SMOKING
• Guide to Quitting Smoking
• Match Smoking Habits to Quit Methods
• Volusia County Health Department Tobacco Prevention Program
• American Lung Association
• American Cancer Society
  
• Centers for Disease Control
  This portion of the CDC website, contains useful resources for those wishing to quit.
• DrKoop.com: Tackling Tobacco
  The site provides tips on keeping nicotine free, especially in the first 24 hours and a number of self-assessment instruments.
• Foundation for Innovations in Nicotine Dependence (FIND)
  While not a lot of information is on this website, there are some good articles as well as a chat room and message board.
• Nicotine Anonymous
  The site gives information on their 12 step approach for cessation, information on where to find meetings, and information how to start meetings in your area.
• The Surgeon General's Tobacco Cessation Guideline
  The site contains information for individuals who want to quit such as tips for getting ready to quit and making it through the first week, frequently asked questions, and myths about cessation. Health care professionals can find the 2000 Clinical Practice Guidelines, facts about smoking and posters.
• Quitnet
  This is also one of the better websites for cessation. It helps smokers set a quit date and gives advice on how to prepare for it, has information about different methods of quitting, provides support via email as well as allow people to chat with other smokers/ex-smokers. It also provides a local listing of cessation programs.
• Smoker Aid Program
  Based on the answers to a questionnaire, a personal report can be sent to help individuals step by step towards smoking cessation. There are brochures for people who are smokers or ex-smokers, and individuals can write questions to a specialist in the field of tobacco and receive answers.