Most young adults entering college expect their coming years to be jovial, low-stress and filled with growth. Using any kind of tobacco product, however, can lead to very opposite outcomes.
As the brain continues to develop into the mid-20s, using cigarettes, e-cigarettes or even modern alternative products such as nicotine pouches can create an endless cycle of stress and addiction. This back-to-school season, the New York State Quitline reminds college students and campus health clinics about numerous free resources available to treat tobacco dependence and to educate about the harms of early-age nicotine use.
The New York State Quitline offers Learn2QuitNY, a multi-week texting program with daily alerts to help participants learn techniques to cut back and eventually altogether quit all forms of tobacco products. Learn2QuitNY can work as a standalone tool or in conjunction with other support services. Interested participants can enroll by texting QUITNOW to 333888 or by visiting nysmokefree.com/text. In addition to the convenience and confidentiality of texting, college students may contact the New York State Quitline for coaching support by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697- 8487) or visiting nysmokefree.com. Those who are 18 years of age and older also can receive free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) medications, usually in the form of patches, gum or lozenges.
Photo Courtesy of UFA
