If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
If you’re ready to quit tobacco, a smartphone app or texting program may be a great addition to your quit plan. Apps and texting programs can help you plan your quit day, manage stress and cravings while you quit and remind you why you want to be tobacco free. Some programs even offer support from quit smoking coaches and ways to share milestones on your journey to a tobacco-free life with the people you care about. Apps and texting programs can be used on their own, or alongside other tools to help you quit smoking like medications and nicotine replacement therapy. While there are a lot of programs out there, here are a few free ones you may want to consider.
The Quit Plan
The YouCanQuit2 Quit Plan is a mobile-first, app-like experience tool that you can access using your browser on any device (phone, computer or tablet). The interactive tool will show you step-by-step how to prepare to quit and then give you the encouragement and tips to accomplish your goals. Throughout your quit journey you can (and should!) refer to and update your quit plan.
quitSTART App
The quitSTART app is a free quit smoking app that helps you plan to quit, manage cravings, stay motivated and lead a tobacco-free life. When you’re planning to quit, quitSTART helps you develop a quit plan. While you are quitting, it lets you track progress and earn badges for reaching milestones. It also has tips for managing cravings in healthy ways and games that can help you distract yourself when you are having a hard time. The quitSTART app also provides inspiration and motivation to help you maintain a tobacco-free life. It was created by the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug administration with input from experts on quitting smoking and people who used to smoke. QuitSTART is available for free on the Apple and Android app stores.
StayQuit Coach
The Stay Quit Coach 2.0 app is designed to help people quit smoking cigarettes, vaping, using cigars, or chewing tobacco. It is available for free on the Apple and Android app stores. The app helps you identify reasons you want to quit, set goals that work for you and track your progress quitting tobacco over time. It also includes interactive tools to help you cope with smoking urges and motivational messages that encourage you to stay quit. You can use the app on its own or with support from a counselor or healthcare provider. The Stay Quit Coach 2.0 app was designed by the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
This Is Quitting
This is Quitting is a national nonprofit public health initiative text-based program designed to help young people quit vaping. Users receive confidential help and advice from real people who quit vaping to help them plan their path to a tobacco-free life. The program also includes 24/7 access to support to help cope with cravings, manage stress and move past slip-ups. This program was developed by the Truth Initiative Anyone in the U.S. can join by texting DITCHVAPE to 88709. Users receive one text message per day and can participate in the program for as long as they would like.
