Resources for quitting smoking

• Smokers' Helpline has proven, free and personalized tools to help you quit successfully. Free and confidential, they offer support and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use, and help you develop a personal quit plan and refer you to programs and services in your community. And if you want to support someone who’s trying to quit, we can give you tips on how to help.
  • Check out the Smokers' Helpline's Text Support Messaging: Users simply need to text the words iquit to the number 123456 to begin receiving text message support from our Quit Coaches.  Live Text-to-Chat is also available when users text the word CHAT to the number 123456 for additional support. 

• The Lung Association - Before you set your quit date, you need to prepare. Take time to think about when, where, and why you smoke. If you understand your smoking habits and triggers, you’ll have a better chance at success. Visit The Lung Association's website

• Smoke Free Curious is a national and bilingual tobacco cessation social marketing campaign that aims to support Canadian adult tobacco users aged 35-64 to quit their commercial tobacco use. Quitting is easier with the right tools. People who use tools or resources are generally more successful in their quit attempts. Our website and social media channels offer tips, resources and motivational support from other people who are also on their quit smoking journey. Explore Tools & Tips

• Quit Coaches through Health 811 (Telephone support): Call 811 (TTY: 1-866- 797-0007) provides access to a quit coaches/nurses available via phone call that will help someone access local resources and free nicotine replacement therapy

• Speak with your family physician, who may be able to provide support and further resources

• E-Cigarettes and Vaping information and supports that may guide users with their decision-making on using such devices

• First Week Challenge - Quit smoking or vaping for the first 7 days of the month, and you could win $500! People who successfully quit for the first week are 9 times more likely to quit for good. We can help get you started. 

• Government of Ontario: Stopping Smoking Resources
• Government of Canada: Stopping Smoking Resources 

• Stop Vaping Challenge app - iPhone only

• Quash App - iPhone or Android

• Crush the Crave App - iPhone or Android

• Breaking Free: Wellness - iPhone or Android

• The Ontario Drug Benefit includes coverage to help you quit smoking:

  • up to a year of pharmacist-assisted counselling (talk to your pharmacist or health care provider)
  • drugs (Champix or Zyban) if you are age 18 years or older
  • Interested students and employees should confirm their eligibility and coverage.

• Campus Wellness/Counselling Services: Students can access a counsellor trained in smoking and vaping cessation counselling (Note: Emma Boynton provides this service.)

  • Counselling Services provides in-person services as well as through phone and video. To book an appointment, please call 519-888-4096.

• Campus Wellness/Health Services - Connect with supports through Health Services to aid in quitting smoking. 

  • Health Services is currently providing all medical services through in-person appointments. To book an appointment, please call 519-888-4096. 

• Undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Waterloo have access to Empower Me—a mental health and wellness service that seeks to contribute to a resilient student community by supporting existing on-campus and Studentcare mental health resources.

• Notanexperiment.ca - Information and support on vaping. 

• Students can access Campus Wellness/Health Services for a prescription for smoking cessation medication.  To book an appointment, call 519-888-4096.
  • Note: Prescription smoking cessation medication is not covered by UHIP
  • Exception Process: If the drugs covered are not effective in treating the condition, an exception process is in place through our on-campus office in UW Health Services, room 1006. The Health Services medical director reviews each exception request and may also approve the usage of smoking cessation devices, up to a maximum of 90 days per lifetime. WUSA Student Plan’s Drug Coverage.
• Students may be eligible for coverage of prescription smoking cessation medication through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Interested students should confirm their eligibility and coverage.
• Students can speak with their doctor about a prescription for smoking cessation medication.
  • Note: Prescription smoking cessation medication is not covered by UHIP. Students should check with their health benefits provider.

• Employees can access their family physician for a prescription for smoking cessation medication

  • Note: Prescription smoking cessation medication is not covered by the employee health benefits provided by GreenShield

Note: The following resources have been designed by and for Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. 

• First Nations Health Authority Youth Respecting Tobacco 
• Indigenous Tobacco Program with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to reduce and prevent commercial tobacco addiction
• Talk Tobacco provides culturally specific, free and confidential support and information about quitting smoking or vaping. Program services were created with input and guidance from First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, community members and healthcare providers.
  • Talk Tobacco services are available in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. We have bilingual and interpreter services in over 16 Indigenous languages. Open 7 days a week (except statutory holidays). Hours vary by province.
    
    Call 1-833-998-8255 (TALK)
    Text CHANGE to 123456
    Join and follow us on Facebook
• Indigenous students may be able to access Wellbutrin through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program for registered First Nations and recognized Inuit

• In addition to accessing any of the other resources, students are encouraged to view the resources below, and/or reach out to the Office of Indigenous Relations or the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)