Find an Online Support Group to Stick With Your Quit

Having a strong support system is key to a successful quit. In normal circumstances, one might find support from an in-person tobacco cessation group or counseling session, but with many of these traditional services placed on hold during the pandemic, alternative means of communication and support are a necessity.

There’s an abundance of online tobacco cessation support groups available, hosted through social media networks, public health programs, or community organizations. Online “quit” groups are not the same as in-person counseling, but they do come with their own set of unique benefits. For example, the American Lung Association offers an online quit program that allows users to build their own personal quit plan, watch informative videos on quitting, and talk to counselors as well as other members of the group who are grappling with many of the same challenges. Chatting with other quitters is a great way to remind yourself that you’re not dealing with this obstacle alone.

When you log in and start to interact, a wealth of experience, tips, recommendations, help, and support will be available to you. You’ll find folks who are at every stage of quit: in the beginning, in the middle, have long since quit, or have relapsed. One of the best parts? All-access, all the time. When you experience triggers and cravings, someone who knows what it’s like is always available.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Resources from Smokefree.gov –  https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips

North American Quitline Consortium –  http://map.naquitline.org

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs –  https://www.publichealth.va.gov/smoking/

Nicotine Anonymous –  https://nicotine-anonymous.org

Mayo Clinic’s Become an EX community –  https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/