Nearly one in six adults in the United States currently uses at least one tobacco or nicotine product, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or nicotine pouches. The American Lung Association is responding by providing free resources and support to help people quit all forms of tobacco and nicotine.
Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the country, resulting in approximately 490,000 deaths each year. An estimated 16 million Americans live with a disease caused by tobacco use. Quitting at any age can improve both life expectancy and quality of life.
“Breaking the addiction to nicotine is extremely difficult. For most people, it takes multiple attempts to quit tobacco for good. Each quit attempt brings a person closer to reaching their goal,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “While smoking rates have decreased significantly over the past 50 years, we are concerned about more adults and youth using e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. It is critical that people who are ready to quit using nicotine and tobacco products speak with their healthcare provider about Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved tobacco treatment medications.”
The American Lung Association provides a free Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA where individuals can receive assistance from licensed nurses, respiratory therapists, or certified tobacco treatment specialists. This service supports both adults and teens aged 13 and older who want to stop using nicotine or tobacco products. Employers can also access programs through the helpline aimed at helping employees quit.
Additionally, callers can obtain information about lung cancer screening eligibility, receive help navigating insurance issues, and connect with Lung Health Navigators specializing in conditions like lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.
Further details on quitting tobacco are available on the American Lung Association website at https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking or by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) and pressing 2. Most health insurance plans cover counseling services and medications for those trying to quit smoking; those without coverage may consider options offered through the Affordable Care Act marketplace during open enrollment until January 15 in most states. More information on coverage options can be found at https://www.lung.org/openenrollment.
