TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 12 With the recent increase in the tobacco tax, many Floridians are faced with a tough decision in these already hard economic times - do they pay the extra dollar per pack or quit smoking for good. For those who want to quit, The Florida Quitline (1-877-U-CAN-NOW) is here to help by offering free nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and counseling.
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According to Kim Berfield, Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Health, when comparing the Florida Quitline call volume to other states, we are above the average. "Quitting is a daily struggle. The Quitline provides tobacco users with the tools they need for courage and self-empowerment," Berfield said.
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Provided by the American Cancer Society and the Florida Department of Health, the Quitline is a toll-free, telephone-based tobacco cessation service. The Quitline provides the support and resources needed to kick the addiction such as free patches, gum and lozenges and free confidential telephone counseling which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Face-to-face counseling is also available through local AHEC (Area Health Education Centers). Many counties offer eight-week sessions for those who prefer group interaction. Counseling sessions taught by trained healthcare professionals double the chance of success, according to The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tobacco Use and Dependence.
Quitting smoking is very difficult and it typically takes the average smoker approximately eight quit attempts to stop smoking for good. NRT, coupled with counseling, doubles the chances that a smoker will quit. From setting a quit date, determining trigger situations, and helping during a relapse, specially trained Quitline counselors help tobacco users develop a plan to finally rid themselves of tobacco and nicotine dependency.
For more information on the Quitline, please visit www.floridaquitline.com or by calling 1-877-U-CAN-NOW
ABOUT TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA
Tobacco Free Florida, the statewide youth prevention and adult cessation campaign launched in February 2008, has reached millions of Floridians through its advertising, online social media, grassroots initiatives, educational outreach and public relations efforts. Funded by the State's tobacco settlement fund, the campaign engages culturally and economically diverse audiences with its high impact messaging.
For more information on Tobacco Free Florida, please visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.
SOURCE Tobacco Free Florida
