EDMONTON – National Non-Smoking Week runs from January 18 to 24. It’s a great time to think about the reasons why you’re ready to stop smoking and get started on a quit journey. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health, no matter how old you are or how much you’ve smoked.

Each person’s journey to becoming smoke-free is unique. You may find that some quit methods work better for you than others. Don’t get discouraged if you need to try a few different options before you figure out what’s right for you.

AlbertaQuits is a free Primary Care Alberta program to help adults quit or cut back on nicotine. If you’re ready to stop smoking, AlbertaQuits can help you find support that’s right for you. Getting help doubles your chances of quitting for good. You can use these resources:

• Call for phone support at 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) to speak with a trained counsellor for quitting plans, craving tips and encouragement. The helpline provides free, confidential support from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week, to help you cut back on or quit tobacco and vaping. Translation services are available.
• Register for group support, AlbertaQuits QuitCore is a program for people who want to connect with others on a quit journey. QuitCore runs in-person, online and by phone. Over six sessions, you’ll share stories and learn quit strategies from a trained facilitator. Call the AlbertaQuits helpline 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) to find a group in your local area or online.
• Opt-in to text support by texting ABQUITS to 123456. This service sends daily texts with tips on how to quit smoking or vaping. It includes a live chat feature with quit counsellors and the option to use keywords to get specific help (like ways to handle cravings, withdrawal or relapse).
• Visit AlbertaQuits.ca to explore what stage you’re at in your quit journey, set goals and plan a successful quit date.

You can also speak with your healthcare provider about nicotine replacement therapy (like nicotine patches, gums or sprays) and prescription medications that make it easier to stop smoking. Some costs may be covered. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, visit albertafindadoctor.ca for information on clinics, family doctors and nurse practitioners.

To learn more about support for quitting smoking or vaping in Alberta, visit AlbertaQuits.ca.

For more information on smoking, vaping and your health, visit https://myhealth.alberta.ca/HealthTopics/Tobacco-Smoking-Vaping.

Primary Care Alberta is a made-in-Alberta solution to improve access to the primary care services Albertans rely on.

By delivering coordinated services, Primary Care Alberta enables healthcare providers to do what they do best -- care for Albertans. We meet Albertans wherever they live, work, play and learn, promoting prevention, supporting lifelong health journeys, and serving as a vital entry point to a complex network of care. Together, we are creating a future where compassionate, timely and effective healthcare is available to every Albertan at every stage of life.