New help available for youth to quit vaping and tobacco use

Press release

Nearly 5 million U.S. teens use tobacco and few widely available and accessible resources designed for teens exist to help them stop.

As a tobacco quit-line provider helping thousands of people quit tobacco every year, the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, in partnership with National Jewish Health, has launched an enhanced tobacco and vaping cessation program for teens age 18 and younger who want to stop using tobacco products, especially electronic cigarettes like JUUL.

The My Life, My Quit program combines best practices for youth tobacco cessation adapted to include vaping and new ways to reach a coach using live text messaging or online chat. The program includes educational materials designed for teens created with youth input and through discussion with subject matter experts and community stakeholders.

The My Life, My Quit specially trained coaches listen and understand teens, provide personalized support, and build relationships that promote quitting tobacco. Coaches emphasize that the decision to stop is personal and provide information to help cope with stress, navigate social situations and support developing a tobacco-free identity.

The service is completely free of charge, and information is available 24/7.

The My Life, My Quit, program provides youth access to tailored resources for quitting, including:

• Youth coaches who receive special training on the best ways to build relationships with youth.

• Five coaching sessions by phone, live texting or chat with a coach who will listen and help teens navigate social situations while finding healthy ways to cope with stress.

• Text or call a dedicated toll-free number, 1-855-891-9989, for real-time coaching.

• Additional text messages for support to quit vaping, smoking or chewing tobacco.

• Simplified program registration and enrollment process to get to coaching faster.

• Website, http://www.mylifemyquit.com, with online enrollment, chat with a live coach, information about vaping and tobacco, and activities to support quitting.

• Promotional and educational materials designed for youth with messages from youth about quitting tobacco and vaping, and how to ask for support.

• A water-marked certificate of completion of the program.

“For your health and for your family, contact My Life, My Quit today,” a release said. “The service is free of cost, and the benefits can last a lifetime.”