A state-run toll free hotline, QuitlineNC offers support for smokers who are trying to kick the habit. Local and state officials hope the generation that smokes the most will take advantage of it.
“For the first time in history, we’re seeing the lowest ever cigarette smoking rates among teens - but then at 18 they’re starting to smoke,” said Sallie Beth Johnson.
A health educator with FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Johnson oversees various local smoking cessation programs and support groups, like FirstHealth’s FirstQuit initiative. FirstQuit provides local support groups and nicotine replacement therapy for a fee of $50, and Johnson said she has seen positive results from clients who use Quitline as a supplement to local program cessation programs.
Johnson pointed to the major life changes that those in the 18 to 24 range are going through as possible catalysts for tobacco use.
“I think there are a lot of different reasons. They may be entering a workplace where they take breaks with other individuals who are smoking. They may be going off to a four-year college or a community college and trying it. They may be on their own for the first time, and what starts out as ‘social smoking’ becomes a habit.”
According to Johnson, the tobacco industry knows very well how to cater to the early adult demographic.
“This is the youngest industry that they can legally market to - and they have gotten very creative with it.”
Johnson listed examples like tobacco-related freebies at concerts and clubs, tobacco-sponsored parties at colleges, and the new line of “Pink No. 9” cigarettes from Camel. The chic, feminine packaging can be seen as drawing on the classic feminine fragrance Chanel No. 5.
With so many “start smoking, keep smoking” messages coming their way, it’s no wonder young adults across North Carolina- and across the nation - are lighting up, Johnson said. That’s why QuitlineNC is making a special effort to reach out.
By calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, smokers, dippers and chewers of all ages can receive the help and support they need to kick the habit - completely free-of-charge. The hotline connects tobacco users with their own quit coach — a trained professional who will work with them to develop a personally-tailored plan that includes advice, live support and referrals to local cessation resources. In North Carolina, callers can get help seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.
“When you look at the work and school schedules of 18 to 24-year-olds, those late night hours may be the times that they are struggling to stay quit,” said Johnson.
“Almost everyone has access to the phone even if they don’t have access to the Web,” said Barbara Moeykens of the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund. Formed from a share of North Carolina’s national tobacco settlement money, the fund makes state programs like QuitlineNC, a local programs like FirstQuit, possible.
“When a tobacco user is ready to quit, their quit coach will help them set a date and help them prepare for that date with a plan that is tailored to that person’s individual needs,” said Moeykens. “It varies greatly from person to person depending on their reasons for smoking and what their triggers are.”
Moeykens said the continued support a Quitline coach provides is a key to staying on track. Quitline clients can keep the same counselor that they started out with, and set up appointments or call in for support throughout the process.
“From an athlete’s perspective, lot of people who think ‘What does it have to offer me? I might as well quit cold turkey,’ are starting the season without spring training.”
For more information, tobacco users of all ages, as well as their friends and family members can contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669 seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 a.m. Medical providers can also call to find out more about patient referrals.
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