1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838) is a free quitline that provides ongoing, individualized support for Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare that are looking to quit tobacco.
Double Your Chances of Quitting for Good
Is quitting easy? No. Can you do it? Yes. The more support you have, the less tough it is. So, give yourself a strategic advantage with resources designed to help Veterans quit. With the quitline you can speak one-on-one with a trained tobacco cessation counselor for support and advice to get you on the right track and help you stay there. There’s no limit to the number of times you can call.
“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
- Quote from a Veteran
Quit VET counselors:
- Are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST
- Speak English and Spanish
- Help Veterans develop a quit plan
- Offer behavioral strategies to help cope with cravings and slips
- Can discuss quit medications you can get from the VA
- Provide at least four follow-up counseling calls, scheduled at your convenience
- Are knowledgeable about the VA healthcare system and military culture
A Plan Can Make All the Difference
Your first call will typically last 15-30 minutes. During that time, your counsellor may ask about your tobacco use, past attempts to quit, and your reasons for wanting to become tobacco-free. That information will help the counselor create a quit plan custom tailored to you—whether you’re looking to quit smoking, chewing, dipping, or any combination of the three. Among other things, your quit plan will provide strategies for weathering withdrawal symptoms, and help you avoid, or recover from, slips or relapses.
“You know what? I think this is actually going to work.”
-Quote from a Veteran
Ongoing Support
Support doesn’t end with your initial call. Veterans who set a quit date will receive follow-up calls from a counselor to discuss how things are going and strategies based on your successes and challenges. These weekly, 5–10-minute follow up calls begin on or around the quit date you set and are scheduled for times convenient for you. In addition to that, you can call the 1-855-QUIT-VET quitline as many times as you need.
24/7 Veterans Crisis Line
If you or someone you know is in distress or having suicidal thoughts, get help now. Call 988 and press 1; text 838255; or chat online for free, confidential support from trained counselors. The caller decides how much information to share, and help doesn’t end with the conversation. Responders can connect the caller with the resources they need for ongoing support.
