If you need extra support when you’re ready to quit smoking, the UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center provides a variety of free tobacco cessation services for employees and online resources to help you succeed.
Tobacco Cessation Coaching
Tobacco cessation resources and discounted products are available as part of the UAB employee benefits packages. Employees and members of their immediate household are eligible for four free tobacco cessation coaching sessions per calendar year. Sessions are conducted by a licensed mental health professional. Benefit-eligible employees enrolled in a UAB medical plan must attend all four sessions and receive a certificate of completion to apply for a Discontinuation of Tobacco Surcharge.
Contact the EACC to schedule a one-on-one coaching session. Tobacco cessation coaching is offered in addition to the free counseling sessions offered each year.
UAB Nonsmoking Policy & FAQs
Visit the UAB Employee Wellness Love Your Lungs webpage for UAB's Tobacco Use Policy for Employees, UAB Tobacco Surcharge FAQs and additional tobacco cessation resources.
Tobacco Cessation Resources
Note: This listing is a collection of some, not all, tobacco cessation resources. UAB neither vets, nor formally endorses, third-party resources listed.
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NIH Tips to Quit Smoking (PDF)
This handout gives helpful tips and guidelines to help you stop smoking today including finding ways to relax, lining up support and making a plan. It also includes a Pledge to Live Smoke-Free handout to help solidify your plans.CDC: Quit Guide
This guide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has links to help you through the entire smoking cessation process. It offers information on taking steps to quit, learning about Nicotine Replacement Therapy, preventing slips, preparing for cravings and more.American Lung Association: How to Quit Smoking
This webpage offers advice and tips for smoking cessation including information on talking to your doctor, what to expect and finding resources and support groups to help you through the quitting process.Great American Smokeout
Information from the American Cancer Society on the annual nationwide event to quit smoking, including resources and tools to help you stop smoking today. -
Harms of Smoking & Benefits of Quitting
Information from the National Cancer Institute on the impact of smoking on short- and long-term health outcomes and the short- and long-term health benefits of quitting.Smokefree.gov
This webpage, sponsored by the Tobacco Control Research Branch of the National Cancer Institute, provides professional assistance and general information about a wide range of topics related to smoking and quitting information, as well as resources designed specifically for veterans, women, teens, smokers over 60 and Spanish speakers: -
Smokefree.gov: Practice Mindfulness
This Smokefree.gov site provides information on the practice of mindfulness — how it can help you stop smoking, cope with cravings, and reduce depression and anxiety.TED Talk: Can Mindfulness Help You Quit Smoking?
Dr. Judson Brewer, University of Massachusetts Associate Professor and Director of Research at the Center for Mindfulness, talks about utilizing mindfulness as a different approach to quit smoking and shares information on how it works and what to do.
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QuitGuideQuitGuide helps you stop smoking through tracking smoking triggers, cravings and mood and by helping you articulate your reasons for not smoking and by monitoring progress towards smoke free milestones.
quitSTARTThis free app helps you quit through tailored tips, challenges and inspiration. It also includes games to distract you when you are struggling with cravings.
LIVESTRONG MyQuit CoachiPhone | 4.4/5
Android | Not availableThis free app is physician approved and gives you the option to quit cold turkey or to gradually decrease daily nicotine intake. It also helps you to keep track of the number of cigarettes you are smoking and gives achievement badges as you reach milestones.
Quit Smoking: Cessation NationiPhone | Not available
Android | 4.5/5Join over 17 million other people in the United States who are trying to quit smoking. This free app helps you manage cravings by playing games or connecting with others when you feel the urge to smoke. You also can win award badges to help mark your progress and to stay motivated.
Craving to Quit!This 21-day smoking cessation program is based on a program developed at Yale University. This mindfulness approach to quitting features video and audio tracks, daily reminders and tools to help you successfully quit smoking. App is free but requires a monthly subscription.
QuitNow!This app allows you to create a profile and connect with others who are trying to quit smoking. It also informs you on how much money you are saving, the time since you last smoked, and the evolution of your health improvements per World Health Organization indicators.
KwitThis app is based around the concept of Gamification, a tool for motivation. Kwit is used for behavior change - helping people stick to their decision to quit smoking. Gamification makes things fun by adding game-elements to the process. Track your smoke-free stats like money saved, cigarettes not smoked, and days of progress. This app uses the power of personal achievements and social media to motivate people as they quit smoking.
SmokeFree: Quit Smoking SlowlyiPhone | Not available
Android | 4.4/5Want to stop smoking in a flexible way? Choose from two modes on the app: quit or reduce. From there, you will see images and videos that promote quitting in a way that fits your lifestyle. Keep track of cravings and other stats so you can view your progress each time you open the app.
Quit TrackeriPhone | Not available
Android | 4.6/5The simple yet customizable interface of this app makes it easy to stay motivated as you kick the habit. It not only shows you all the money you are saving, but also the health benefits of quitting. Use the diary feature to keep tabs on how you’re doing. Look at the timeline graphic to see how much your health improves once you stop lighting up.