Quitting tobacco

Manufacturers may imply that smokeless tobacco will help you quit smoking, but this hasn't been proved. Because of the health risks, smokeless tobacco products aren't a good alternative to quit smoking.

If you use chewing tobacco or other forms of smokeless tobacco, consider options to help you quit. Your doctor can be a great resource and can help you create a quit plan.

Resources developed for smoking cessation may help you stop using smokeless tobacco. The following interventions have been found most effective in research about quitting chewing tobacco and other smokeless products:

• Behavioral interventions — such as telephone services, self-help materials and counseling — can provide you with support and help you develop coping skills.
• Nicotine replacement therapy using the patch, gum or lozenges can help reduce cravings for tobacco products.
• Medication. Two non-nicotine prescription medications are approved to help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

In the U.S. you can call the National Cancer Institute's telephone quit line: Call 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848). Or you can find your state's quit line by calling 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).