Resource
Smoking cessation support
It is never too late to stop smoking. Stopping tobacco and vapour product use reduces harm to your health and protects others from second-hand smoke and vapour. Your body starts to heal in as little as 20 minutes of not smoking. Talking to a healthcare provider, such as your family doctor or pharmacist, is a good way to get started.
Free counselling
QuitNow offers a confidential, free helpline that is available 24/7 to all British Columbians. Call toll-free: 1 (877) 455-2233 or go online at QuitNow.ca. You can also text QUITNOW to 654321 for text support or text CHAT to 654321 for live text chat with a Quit Coach.
Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy
The BC Smoking Cessation Program covers the costs of non-prescription, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for BC residents. The products include the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge and inhaler and are suitable to manage nicotine withdrawal. There may be coverage for those wishing to use stop smoking medications. Visit the BC Smoking Cessation Program website for more information.
Coverage for the cost of cessation aids is also available through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), for those who qualify. For more information on FNHA coverage, visit the Respecting Tobacco website.
Support for Youth (aged 12 to 24)
Healthcare providers at Youth Clinics offer free, confidential health services to address a variety of health topics, including support for stopping tobacco and/or vapour products use. Youth do not need a BC Services Card (or CareCard). Some clinics will accept drop-in visits while others accept both drop-in visits and booked appointments. Please contact a youth clinic for more information
VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic
The clinic provides free, one-on-one support by a doctor or nurse trained in nicotine dependence (tobacco and vapour products). Appointments available in person, by phone or video/virtually. No referral needed. Learn more about the VGH Smoking Cessation Clinic.
Support during your hospital stay
Patients who use tobacco products will be offered free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help manage nicotine withdrawal and/or cravings. For more information about NRT and/or stopping the use of tobacco or vapour products please speak to your nurse, doctor and/or pharmacist.