Office of Health Education & Promotion

Tobacco Cessation

Did you know 7 out of 10 students who use tobacco products want to quit?

Health Services offers tobacco cessation programs and services to students who are interested in quitting. We are dedicated to helping you kick the habit, no matter if you are just thinking about quitting, or are ready now to make a change.

Does Health Services offer individualized counseling for tobacco cessation?

Yes, our Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Educators/Counselors offer individual consultations to discuss any questions or concerns about one's own or another's use of tobacco products.

What can I expect from a counseling appointment to help me quit smoking or using chewing tobacco?

During your initial session, the educator/counselor will help you:

Design the most effective approach to quit using tobacco products which may include nicotine replacement therapy, support groups, hypnosis, and/or medical acupuncture.
Identify and design a plan to cope with triggers.
Chose an appropriate quit date.
Provide follow-up and referral to outside sources, as appropriate.

How much does it cost to use these services?

Counseling is free of charge for UNH students who have paid the mandatory health fee.

I hear you give out FREE Quit Kits, what are they?

Health Services provides Quit Kits, free of charge to UNH students. Each kit contains educational information on tobacco cessation and fun items to help you stop the cravings.

Where can I pick up a FREE Quit Kit?

Quit Kits can be obtained from any Health Services staff member or from the following departments in Health Services:
Office of Health Education and Promotion, Room 249
Pharmacy

Does Health Services offer Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

Yes, some Nicotine Replacement Therapy products and services, the patch and nicotine gum, are available through Health Services, for UNH students.

How do I choose which product is best for me?

You can schedule an appointment with one of our ATOD Educators/Counselors to choose which non-prescription Nicotine Replacement Therapy is right for you.

What Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products should I consider to help me quit smoking?

The Patch
The Patch helps relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms by providing a steady dosage of nicotine throughout the day, reducing the individuals craving/urge to smoke.

The Patch is available at the UNH Pharmacy, with a prescription by a Health Services Physician or Nurse Practitioner for $47.60/2 week supply.
MORE INFORMATION
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine Gum is available at the UNH Pharmacy, with a prescription by a Health Services Physician or Nurse Practitioner for $37.37/50 pack.
MORE INFORMATION

Are there alternative ways to assist with tobacco cessation?

Yes, Hypnosis, Medical Acupuncture, and Zyban are additional ways to quit the use of tobacco products.

Hypnosis
Under hypnosis, the cognitive part of the brain becomes more active, directly changing the perceptions of the subconscious minds so the need and urge to smoke are no longer a habitual behavior. MORE INFORMATION
Medical Acupuncture
Medical Acupuncture treatments encourage the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities. Medical Acupuncture has been used for treatment of withdrawal and detoxification of habit forming substances, such as tobacco. MORE INFORMATION
Zyban
Zyban is a non-nicotine product for smoking cessation. It works to decrease the withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

Zyban is only available by prescription and can be prescribed by a Health Services Physician or Nurse Practitioner. However, the UNH Pharmacy does not carry this prescription.
MORE INFORMATION

Does Health Services offer Hypnosis and Medical Acupuncture for tobacco cessation?

Yes. You may call (603) 862-2856 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jerry Collins.

There is a small fee for Medical Acupuncture treatment.

Hypnosis is free to all UNH students who have paid their mandatory health fee.

Will these Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) work if I use smokeless (spit) tobacco?

The nicotine dose that gets stored in the gums of smokeless tobacco is at least double that of the amount in cigarettes, making smokeless tobacco more addictive than smoking cigarettes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not specifically approved NRTs for people to quit using smokeless tobacco. However, there is no harm in trying these products or techniques. Research does suggest that The Patch works more effectively than Nicotine Gum.

For more information on tobacco cessation products available for smokeless tobacco users, arrange an appointment with one of our ATOD Educators/Counselors.

Does Health Services offer a tobacco cessation group?

Yes. Group work with others who are trying to quit their use of tobacco products is a great choice for individuals who would like the extra assistance and support during their attempt to quit. Call (603) 862-3823 for more information.

Are there any other ways Health Services can help me?

Yes!

Health Services also provides stress management counseling to help reduce stress and develop new coping mechanisms. This service can be beneficial to everyone trying to quit but can be especially helpful for those who relied heavily on the use of tobacco products as a means to deal with stress.

Nutrition counseling is also available for those who are concerned about weight gain after they have stopped using tobacco products, or who are looking to safely and effectively lose the weight gained after quitting.

Both of these services are free to UNH students who have paid the mandatory health fee. For an appointment, call (603) 862-3823.

Becoming comfortable with a tobacco-free life is a process that takes time and commitment. A good "quit tobacco" program includes some of these tips:

Maintaining perspective, since it takes time and commitment to change a familiar, addictive behavior.
Providing rewards, even a big red star on a calendar for each day, week, and/or month that someone stays off tobacco, can make a difference.
Reinforcing one's commitment and successes, however small, when talking with others by using positive statements can help.
Allowing others to give support and encouragement for efforts can have an impact.
Avoiding "triggers," those certain times, places, and/or situations that are associated with dipping or chewing tobacco, is another way of taking control.
Planning and using healthier alternatives for coping with stress can replace the use of tobacco.
Remaining committed to the goal by keeping in mind any personal reasons for quitting up front and center.