Smoking Cessation Resources

Health and Counseling Services (HCS)

Counseling support or quit smoking medications can more than double your chances to quit for good!

Call 413.559.5458, email healthservices@hampshire.edu, or stop by health and counseling services to schedule an appointment for quit smoking information and support.

• QUIT SMOKING STRATEGIES, SUPPORT, AND MEDICATIONS: Health and counseling services medical providers work with students on proven strategies to cut back and quit smoking. They can also prescribe both over-the-counter and prescription treatments that will lead to quitting most successfully.
• Most public and private health plans are required to cover all seven FDA-approved quit smoking medications as no-cost preventive care services. You need a prescription from a health care provider (even for OTC products) and can get no-cost coverage for up to two 90 day supplies of quit smoking medication per year. This includes over-the-counter nicotine replacement patches, gum, lozenges, OR prescription medications like varenicline and bupropion. Quit smoking medications can be picked up at health and counseling, right on campus.
• Counseling Services: Many students smoke because they are stressed out, anxious, or depressed. Psychotherapists at HCS work with students on healthy coping skills and stress management.
• Off-Campus Resources: HCS medical and mental health staff help connect students with additional professional help off campus, such as acupuncture, nutrition counseling, intensive psychotherapy, or psychiatry services.
• Insurance Coverage: Health and counseling staff will work with you to access services and medications that are covered by your health insurance and affordable for you.

The Wellness Center

Call 413.559.5743, email well@hampshire.edu, or stop by the office in Enfield to schedule an appointment.

Look for upcoming programs and resources coming from the Wellness Center (TBA)!

Additional On-Campus Resources

Spiritual Life professional staff offer confidential support and counseling for students, staff, and faculty; Email jknight@hampshire.edu to schedule an appointment.

National Quitting Resources

• Recommended Apps:
  • QuitStart: free app that helps you quit smoking with tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges.
  • QuitGuide: free app that helps you understand your smoking patterns and build the skills needed to become and stay smoke-free. Use the app to track your cravings by time of day and location, and get motivational messages for each craving you track.
• Quitlines: 1.800.Quit.Now/1.800.784.8669 or 1.877.44U.QUIT; Deaf/TTY: 1.888.229.2182
• Text messaging: Text QUITNOW to 202.759.6436
• Websites: Smokefree.gov "Create My Quit Plan"

Vaping and E-Cigs

Frequently asked questions about e-cigarettes and other vaping devices

Guide on vaping: A teen "epidemic"

Tips to Help You Quit or Cut Back

• Set a quit (or cut back) date and make a commitment to stick to it.
• Identify your motivations for quitting/cutting back and frequently remind yourself of them (leave yourself notes, etc).
• Get support from others … maybe a quitting buddy?
• Avoid being around people who are smoking, or ask them not to smoke around you.
• Know what situations trigger cravings, and actively plan how to avoid or deal with these situations.
• Give yourself rewards for not smoking.
• Take care of yourself: sleep, eat well, and exercise.

Physiological Effects of Quitting Smoking

• Within 20 minutes, the heart rate slows
• Within 12 hours, carbon monoxide in blood returns to normal level
• Within 2 weeks to 3 months, lung functions improve and risk of heart attacks declines
• Within 1 to 9 months, coughing and shortness of breath are reduced
• Within 1 year, the risk of a heart attack is half that of a smoker's
• Within 5-15 years, the risk of stroke is the same as a non-smoker
• Within 10 years, the risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker's
• Within 15 years, the risk of a heart attack equals a non-smoker's