Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States with more than 480,000 Americans dying every year from tobacco-related diseases. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers. Cancer, heart disease and chronic lung disease are just some of the diseases connected directly to tobacco use, and even people who don't use tobacco themselves are at risk of developing tobacco-related diseases through exposure to secondhand smoke.
Want to quit or know someone who does?
If you have struggled to quit using tobacco in the past, don’t be discouraged. It usually takes several times before successfully quitting because nicotine is so addictive, but it can be done! To learn more about nicotine and tobacco products, visit Tobacco Free Colorado.
To learn more about nicotine and tobacco products, visit Tobacco Free Colorado.
The Colorado Quitline / En Español
- Serves people 12 years and older
- Free coaching by phone and additional support via email, text, or instant message
- Adults 18 years + may receive nicotine replacement therapy (FDA-approved nicotine gum, patches, lozenges etc.)
Smokefree.gov
- You’ll find support, tips, tools and expert advice to help you or someone you love quit smoking
- Free quitSTART and QuitGuide apps available
Get Help From Your Healthcare Provider with Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Talking with your doctor or dentist is a great place to start when you want to quit. They can help you make a plan and prescribe nicotine replacement products — such as nicotine gum, patches, inhalers or nasal sprays.
Medications combined with other supports have been shown to double your odds of successfully quitting tobacco.
Quitting nicotine and tobacco products can be hard and stressful. However, youth and young adults stand the best chance of being successful if they make a plan and seek support. The resources below were made for youth and young adults who want to end their relationship with nicotine products.
The Colorado Quitline / En Español
- Serves people 12 years and older
- Free coaching by phone and additional support via email, text, or instant message
My Life, My Quit
- Text "Start My Quit" to 855.891.9989 or call to talk with a coach who is ready to listen and cheer you on
Truth Initiative Text Program
- Text “QUIT“ to (202) 804-9884 or DITCHVAPE to 88709 to enroll
- Offers customized content to give teens and young adults tailored quit tips and resources
- Exclusively a quit-vaping text message program for teens and young adults ages 13-24
Smokefree Teens Website
- Offers tools and tips to support to teens in quitting smoking
- Includes options for chat, text, and app
Trusted adults, like parents, guardians, teachers, and coaches, can play a key role in helping teens quit tobacco or nicotine. Having open, supportive conversations and setting clear, positive expectations can make a big difference. It also helps when adults stay informed about nicotine products and youth trends, so they can recognize signs of use early. Schools and youth organizations can support these efforts by enforcing tobacco-free policies with a non-punitive approach and partnering with local organizations such as the LCDHE Tobacco Team for presentations or staff training. Creating a network of encouragement and accountability can help youth feel supported as they work to quit.
FAQs
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Does LCDHE supply quit materials for business or community partners? Any other resources for youth?
YES! We have brochures, rack cards, and business cards in both Spanish and English. We also have quit kits. Please reach out to us if you are interested in receiving these resources.
We also offer educational presentations to schools and community-based organizations that serve youth.
Also, check out our Larimer County Youth Resource Guide. You're welcome to download and print these, or reach out to us for copies for your school or youth-serving organization.
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What can I do as a community member to help prevent tobacco and nicotine use in the community?
As a trusted or an informed adult/parent you can have a big influence on youth by encouraging healthy choices and setting clear standards, knowing the facts, and helping youth find resources to quit such as those on our website.
If you’re a community organization interested in getting involved in tobacco policy or providing resources to the community, please reach out!
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What is in a vape?
Vaping devices, also known as e-cigarettes, contain a variety of substances, including a liquid (nicotine, THC, or CBD), heavy metals (lead, nickel, or tin), and other chemicals. Not all vaping devices carry the same materials and some contain more harmful materials which can expose the user and people nearby to a variety of health-risks.
Contact us!
Interested in resources or a presentation about the risks of tobacco and nicotine products for your school or community based organization? We can help!
Email: healthpartnerships@co.larimer.co.us
