If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco but unsure of where to start, Coach support from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline may be a great place to start. Coaching offers a personalized approach to quitting tobacco. Here’s everything you need to know about quitting with a Coach from the Helpline.

What is a Coach?

A Helpline Coach is a trained professional dedicated to helping you succeed on your quit journey. They provide expert guidance, answer your questions about quitting tobacco and connect you with the Helpline’s FREE quit services.

What does a Coach do?

A Coach acts as your personal quit partner and motivator. Every Helpline Coach:

• Helps you create a personalized quit plan. This includes helping you choose and order nicotine replacement therapy — patches, gum or lozenges

• Offers emotional support and encouragement
• Provides tips and techniques for managing cravings
• Helps you understand and prepare for withdrawal symptoms
• Assists in identifying and overcoming triggers

Build a personalized quit plan.

One of the main benefits of working with a Coach is developing a quit plan or strategy. When developing this plan, your Coach will consider:

• The amount of tobacco you currently use
• Your lifestyle and schedule
• Previous quit attempts
• Your personal goals
• Your quit date

Helpline Coaches are here to work with you and support you every step of the way. If your quit plan ever becomes too difficult or hard to manage, they can help you make changes along the way. Encouraging you is one of their main responsibilities.

Finding tips and tricks that work for you.

Helpline Coaches have several tricks and techniques up their sleeves to support your quit journey. These may include:

1. Stress management techniques
2. Mindfulness practices
3. Coping techniques
4. Replacement hobbies and activities

Your Coach will listen to your struggles, share their own experiences and offer tips to help you navigate this new, tobacco-free you.

Choosing nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy — patches, gum or lozenges — are often the key that help many people successfully quit. Your Coach can provide information about the FREE options available from the Helpline, help you choose the option that’s right for you and coach you on how to use it.

How a Coach can help YOU quit tobacco.

No matter if you smoke, dip or vape, Coaches help you see the big picture when quitting tobacco. When you’re going through tough moments, they are who you want to call.

Coaches:

• Are here when you need them. During tough cravings or moments of weakness, your Coach is just a call or message away.
• Understand your motivation and reason for quitting. Your Coach will help you discover why you want to quit, and help you focus on that goal. Reasons may include:

• • Your health
  • Financial benefits
  • Your family
  • Quality time
• Help you set achievable milestones. Quitting is a process, not a single event. Coaches are here to celebrate every victory with you, big and small, and set milestones that pave your journey.
• Address setbacks. Quitting is tough and setbacks can happen. However, they don’t mean you have to start over. Coaches can help you through those moments and adjust your quit plan if needed.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. You don’t have to take the first step alone. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has several quit services to help you live tobacco free, from Coaches and live online group sessions to patches, gum or lozenges. Even if you’re just thinking about quitting tobacco but not quite ready to take the leap, we’re here and ready to help. Explore all our FREE services to get started.