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Tobacco Cessation

TOBACCO CESSATION

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. Nearly 40 million US adults still smoke cigarettes, and about 4.7 million middle and high school students use at least one tobacco product, including e-cigarettes according to the CDC. Despite the research proving the harmful effects of tobacco nearly 36.5 million Americans currently smoke. Why? Because it’s addictive and quitting is hard.

But there are helpful tools and resources offered to keep you on track and motivated along your journey. GlobalHealth members who are addicted to nicotine can receive support through a tobacco cessation program at no cost.

Members age 18 or older are eligible for help with quitting tobacco use. Tobacco use is defined as:

  • Using any tobacco product other than for religious or ceremonial use; and
  • Using on average, four or more times per week within the past six months.

Tobacco products include:

  • Candy-like products that contain tobacco
  • Cigarettes
  • E-cigarettes
  • Cigars
  • Smokeless tobacco
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Snuff

Promoting health

Tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes of death and disease in the U.S. Our tobacco cessation goals are to reduce the number of members who use tobacco products, increase awareness of tobacco cessation programs and improve the overall health of members.

Steps to quit

  1. Find your motivation.
  2. Call your PCP, BHP, or the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline for support and to set up your quit plan.
  3. Talk with your doctor about medications to help you quit.
  4. Set a quit date within the next two weeks.
  5. Make small changes. For example, throw away ashtrays in your home, car, and office so you aren’t tempted to smoke.
  6. Make your home and car smoke-free.
  7. If you have friends who smoke, ask them not to smoke around you.
  8. Plan for how you will handle challenges like cravings. The most important thing to remember is to keep trying.

Cessation attempts

Studies show that the most effective way to stop smoking involves counseling, social support and the use of cessation medication. Counseling and drugs both work for treating tobacco dependence. Using them together works better than using either alone.

Counseling

You may attend individual, group, or telephone counseling sessions for at least 10 minutes each through your PCP or behavioral health provider. You may also call the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). You will talk to a trained cessation expert. He or she will tailor a plan for you.

Prescriptions

Covered smoking cessation products are listed in the Drug Formulary and include bupropion SR 150 mg (generic for Zyban®), Nicotrol® Inhaler (nicotine), Nicotrol® Nasal Spray (nicotine) and with an approved prior authorization Chantix™ (varenicline).

Not all products that may be used for tobacco cessation are included. For example, we do not cover electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaporizers.

HELP

Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is a state trust devoted to preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

Members may sign up for a comprehensive package of services, a private online community where you can access helpful digital tools, develop your own quit plan and track your progress, and individual services with a customized plan that fits your needs.