Our smoking cessation support groups will occur throughout the year.

Groups will use the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program format. This is an intensive seven week program designed to give you the tools you will need most in progressive steps. Sessions are one hour long and once weekly, with the exception of the third week. In the first two weeks you will determine how ready you are to quit and whether pharmaceutical aids are appropriate for you. You will hear from others who have quit and learn about the coping mechanisms they used to quit and to stay tobacco free. You will learn to recognize the barriers to quitting and what things or events trigger cravings for you personally. You will set a quit date for the third week. In the third week, an additional session two days after the quit date will help you get through the toughest time in overcoming your tobacco habit. During the remainder of the sessions you will learn an array of coping mechanisms, stress relief techniques and fun alternatives to smoking so that you can build a new healthier lifestyle with habits that last. Peer support is an important component of the program. You will have an opportunity to meet and get to know others on campus who have made the same decision to quit. You will also be able to seek out twenty-four hour online support from Internet support groups listed on our Internet Resources page.

If you are interested in participating in one of our groups, please call Bobbi Pitts, RNP, Director Health Services at 569-3188.

We also provide individual counseling about tobacco cessation for those who cannot attend the seven week support group program. Individual counseling through Health Services is a requirement for participation in the free pharmaceutical aid component of the program. If you are interested in individual counseling, please stop by Health Services in Room {room*replace} of the DSC or call 569-3188.